1997 Dodge Dakota vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 1997 Dodge Dakota is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (68 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 160 kg more than 1981 Ford Granada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Granada. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Dodge Dakota (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (148 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Dakota | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Granada |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2780 mm |
