Dakotas much lighter than Dusters and aspen/volares? Dunno about that, if anything they are about the same weight if not slightly heavier.
A 96 single cab shortbox dakota with a 2.5L 4 cyl weighs approx. 3042 lbs
An 01 is even heavier at about 3300+ lbs with the same 2.5L motor.
As for my vote, I go for Old school.