1995 Dodge Dakota vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1995 Dodge Dakota is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 240 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 141 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 330 kg more than 1981 Volvo 240. 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 Volvo 240. 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 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240. 1995 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 1981 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1981 Volvo 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Dakota | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Dodge | Volvo |
| Model | Dakota | 240 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 467 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2660 mm |
