2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 1978 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Holden Sunbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Holden Sunbird would be higher. At 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (302 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 586 kg more than 1978 Holden Sunbird. 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 1978 Holden Sunbird. 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 @ 3600 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 1978 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Dodge | Holden |
| Model | Dakota | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 446 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2590 mm |
