2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Caliber (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 190 kg more than 2009 Dodge Caliber.
Because 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Dodge Caliber. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster 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, 2009 Dodge Caliber (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster. (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Dodge | Plymouth |
| Model | Caliber | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2700 mm |
