1995 Dodge Dakota vs. 1996 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 3,906 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Dodge Dakota (174 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (148 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 145 kg more than 1995 Dodge Dakota.
Because 1995 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Dakota 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, 1995 Dodge Dakota (305 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1995 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Dakota | 1996 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Dakota | Caravan |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3906 cc | 2429 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2880 mm |
