1951 Austin A vs. 1996 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A would be higher. At 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (164 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 1240 kg more than 1951 Austin A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Austin A is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1951 Austin A. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (307 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A. 1996 Dodge Caravan has automatic transmission and 1951 Austin A has manual transmission. 1951 Austin A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Dodge Caravan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A | 1996 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | Austin | Dodge |
| Model | A | Caravan |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 803 cc | 3778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 307 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2880 mm |
