2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Dakota (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (210 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 19 kg more than 2009 Dodge Dakota.
Because 2009 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.9 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2880 mm |
