2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 551 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 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 1981 Nissan Laurel. 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 (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Dakota | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2680 mm |
