2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Dakota (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 845 kg more than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2009 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2430 mm |
