1996 Dodge Dakota vs. 1972 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1996 Dodge Dakota is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,753 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Mustang (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 3 kg more than 1972 Ford Mustang.
Because 1996 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1972 Ford Mustang (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Dakota | 1972 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 5753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1527 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2780 mm |
