1978 Plymouth Trail Duster vs. 2012 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2012 Dodge Caliber is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Caliber (158 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 249 kg more than 2012 Dodge Caliber.
Because 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Dodge Caliber. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster 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, 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster (238 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Caliber. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Caliber.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster | 2012 Dodge Caliber | |
| Make | Plymouth | Dodge |
| Model | Trail Duster | Caliber |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3678 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1366 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2634 mm |
