1997 Proton Persona vs. 2012 Dacia Duster
To start off, 2012 Dacia Duster is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Proton Persona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Proton Persona would be higher. At 1,461 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Dacia Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dacia Duster (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1997 Proton Persona. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dacia Duster should accelerate faster than 1997 Proton Persona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dacia Duster weights approximately 240 kg more than 1997 Proton Persona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Dacia Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Proton Persona. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Dacia Duster 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, 2012 Dacia Duster (177 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Proton Persona. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Dacia Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Proton Persona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Proton Persona | 2012 Dacia Duster | |
| Make | Proton | Dacia |
| Model | Persona | Duster |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4315 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1822 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2673 mm |
