1995 Dodge Dakota vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1995 Dodge Dakota is newer by 14 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 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 345 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 1995 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, 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 (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1995 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Dakota | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1185 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 |
