2004 Dodge Dakota vs. 1980 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2004 Dodge Dakota is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Dakota (209 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1980 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1980 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 816 kg more than 1980 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2004 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Nissan Laurel. (148 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Dakota | 1980 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Dakota | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 209 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2680 mm |
