1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2004 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2004 Dodge Dakota is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Dakota (209 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 256 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 2004 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Caprice | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1956 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3340 mm |
