2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 922 kg more than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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 Nitro (360 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Dodge | Plymouth |
| Model | Nitro | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3952 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2537 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2700 mm |
