2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada 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 (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (112 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 1262 kg more than 1981 Ford Granada. 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 1981 Ford Granada. 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 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada. 2009 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Granada has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Granada 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 | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Granada |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2537 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2780 mm |
