1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2011 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2011 Dodge Dakota is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 605 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2011 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Mustang | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3340 mm |
