2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 1968 Ford Ranchero
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Ranchero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Ranchero would be higher. At 7,022 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Ford Ranchero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Ranchero (355 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Ranchero should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 126 kg more than 1968 Ford Ranchero.
Because 1968 Ford Ranchero is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Ford Ranchero. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1968 Ford Ranchero (651 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Ranchero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 1968 Ford Ranchero | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Ranchero |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 7022 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2900 mm |
