2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 5,751 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 357 kg more than 2008 Dodge Dakota.
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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (374 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Dakota. 1972 Ford Gran Torino 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. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 5751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 87 L |
