2004 Dodge Dakota vs. 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 2004 Dodge Dakota is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 85 kg more than 2004 Dodge Dakota.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster (238 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Dakota | 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Dodge | Plymouth |
| Model | Dakota | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2700 mm |
