1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 2012 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2012 Land Rover Defender is newer by 33 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, 1979 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2012 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 2012 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1008 kg more than 1979 Dodge Mirada.
Because 2012 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Dodge Mirada. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender 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 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Dodge Mirada. (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Dodge Mirada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 2012 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Dodge | Land Rover |
| Model | Mirada | Defender |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2370 mm |
