2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 240 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 (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (111 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240.
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, 2009 Dodge Dakota (236 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (185 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Dodge | Volvo |
| Model | Dakota | 240 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2314 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2660 mm |
