1979 Buick Estate vs. 1996 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (164 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 50 kg more than 1979 Buick Estate. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Buick Estate 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 1979 Buick Estate. 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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Estate. (275 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Estate.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Estate | 1996 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Estate | Caravan |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 3778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 307 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2880 mm |
