2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1981 Volvo 343
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 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 343 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 141 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 701 kg more than 1981 Volvo 343. 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 Volvo 343. 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 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Dodge | Volvo |
| Model | Dakota | 343 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1400 mm |
