1990 Dodge Caravan vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1990 Dodge Caravan. (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1990 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 116 kg more than 1990 Dodge Caravan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (410 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Dodge Caravan. (251 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Dodge Caravan | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Caravan | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 2774 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 280 mm |
