1998 Dodge Durango vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1998 Dodge Durango is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 5,899 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Durango is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Durango (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Durango should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Durango weights approximately 1180 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Dodge Durango is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Durango 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, 1998 Dodge Durango (453 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 364 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Durango will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 1998 Dodge Durango has automatic transmission and 1981 Vauxhall Chevette has manual transmission. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Dodge Durango will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Durango | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Dodge | Vauxhall |
| Model | Durango | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 453 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2035 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2400 mm |
