1979 Ford Escort vs. 2010 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2010 Dodge Dakota is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 1627 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort. 2010 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 2010 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Escort | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 2537 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 83 L |
