2002 Dodge Dakota vs. 1980 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 2002 Dodge Dakota is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Fairlane (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2002 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2002 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 132 kg more than 1980 Ford Fairlane.
Because 2002 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1980 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Dakota. 1980 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2002 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2002 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Dakota | 1980 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2950 mm |
