1995 Dodge Dakota vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1995 Dodge Dakota is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,899 cc (8 cylinders), 1995 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Dodge Dakota (247 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 405 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1995 Dodge Dakota (467 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (197 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Dakota | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 467 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2560 mm |
