1995 Dodge Dakota vs. 1983 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1995 Dodge Dakota is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 1995 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Dodge Dakota (232 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fairlane. (131 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 40 kg more than 1995 Dodge Dakota.
Because 1995 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 Ford Fairlane. 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 (399 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fairlane. (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1995 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Dakota | 1983 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2950 mm |
