1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2011 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2011 Dodge Dakota is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 856 kg more than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 2011 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Gran Torino has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2011 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Gran Torino | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 2537 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 83 L |
