2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 1985 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1985 Ford Fairlane. (137 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 115 kg more than 1985 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Fairlane. (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Fairlane. 2008 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 1985 Ford Fairlane has manual transmission. 1985 Ford Fairlane 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 | 1985 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 4089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2950 mm |
