1996 Dodge Dakota vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 1996 Dodge Dakota is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 2,759 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Soarer (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Soarer should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 225 kg more than 1981 Toyota Soarer.
Because 1996 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Toyota Soarer. 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, 1981 Toyota Soarer (235 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Dakota. 1981 Toyota Soarer has automatic transmission and 1996 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 1996 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Soarer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Dakota | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Dodge | Toyota |
| Model | Dakota | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2759 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2670 mm |
