2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 1969 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 7,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1969 Mercury Monterey. (208 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1969 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 369 kg more than 2008 Dodge Dakota.
Because 1969 Mercury Monterey 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 1969 Mercury Monterey. 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, 1969 Mercury Monterey (452 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Dakota. 1969 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2008 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2008 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1969 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 1969 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dakota | Monterey |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 7032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 452 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 2060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 3160 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 85 L |
