1979 Dodge Aspen vs. 2002 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2002 Dodge Dakota is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,685 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 51 kg more than 1979 Dodge Aspen. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Dodge Aspen. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1979 Dodge Aspen (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Aspen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Aspen | 2002 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Aspen | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3685 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2850 mm |
