1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 2011 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2011 Toyota Highlander is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Mirada. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 90 kg more than 1979 Dodge Mirada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Dodge Mirada is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Highlander, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 2011 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Dodge | Toyota |
| Model | Mirada | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2789 mm |
