1981 Dodge Mirada vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1981 Dodge Mirada. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1981 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 437 kg more than 1981 Dodge Mirada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Dodge Mirada. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Dodge Mirada. (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Dodge Mirada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Dodge Mirada | 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mirada | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 2137 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2893 mm |
