1980 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1998 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 1998 Dodge Dakota is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 160 kg more than 1998 Dodge Dakota.
Because 1998 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1980 Chevrolet Caprice (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Dakota. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1998 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 1998 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chevrolet Caprice | 1998 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Caprice | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2850 mm |
