1986 Dodge Charger vs. 2008 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Dodge Charger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Dodge Charger would be higher. At 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (303 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1986 Dodge Charger. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1986 Dodge Charger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 641 kg more than 1986 Dodge Charger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Dodge Charger. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Dodge Dakota (446 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Dodge Charger. (117 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Dodge Charger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Dodge Charger | 2008 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Charger | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 4701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 446 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 3340 mm |
