1978 Plymouth Trail Duster vs. 2012 Ford F-150
To start off, 2012 Ford F-150 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford F-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford F-150 (360 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 260 more horse power than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford F-150 weights approximately 768 kg more than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Ford F-150. 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, 2012 Ford F-150 (515 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (238 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster | 2012 Ford F-150 | |
| Make | Plymouth | Ford |
| Model | Trail Duster | F-150 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3678 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 2383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 5890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 3670 mm |
