2007 Dodge Dakota vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2007 Dodge Dakota is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 85 kg more than 2007 Dodge Dakota.
Because 2007 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Dodge Dakota | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dakota | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1770 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2910 mm |
