1997 Dodge Dakota vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
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 Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 175 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Because 1997 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Mustang. 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Dakota | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2560 mm |
