1980 Buick Estate vs. 2004 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 2004 Dodge Caravan is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,030 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Caravan (145 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1980 Buick Estate. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Estate weights approximately 239 kg more than 2004 Dodge Caravan.
Because 1980 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 1980 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1980 Buick Estate (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Dodge Caravan. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Dodge Caravan. 1980 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2004 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 2004 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Estate | 2004 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Estate | Caravan |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5030 cc | 2429 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1980 kg | 1741 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3000 mm |
