2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Grand Am 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 179 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (123 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 536 kg more than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. 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 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. 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 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (204 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Dakota | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 446 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2630 mm |
