1979 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
To start off, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan (283 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1979 Ford Crown Victoria. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 416 kg more than 1979 Ford Crown Victoria. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Crown Victoria 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 Ford Crown Victoria. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Grand 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, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Crown Victoria. (263 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Crown Victoria.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Crown Victoria | 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Crown Victoria | Grand Caravan |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 2046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5151 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1999 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3078 mm |
