2002 Dodge Dakota vs. 1976 Dodge Aspen
To start off, 2002 Dodge Dakota is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1976 Dodge Aspen. (101 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1976 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 71 kg more than 1976 Dodge Aspen. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Dodge Aspen. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1976 Dodge Aspen (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1976 Dodge Aspen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Dakota | 1976 Dodge Aspen | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Dakota | Aspen |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 3687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2760 mm |
