2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 1971 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,726 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (302 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1971 Ford Mustang. (251 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 746 kg more than 1971 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Dodge Dakota (446 Nm) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Mustang. (146 Nm). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Mustang. 2008 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 1971 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 4726 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 446 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2780 mm |
