1996 Buick Park Avenue vs. 2012 Dodge Durango
To start off, 2012 Dodge Durango is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Park Avenue. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Park Avenue would be higher. At 3,798 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Durango (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1996 Buick Park Avenue. (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Durango should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Park Avenue. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Durango weights approximately 485 kg more than 1996 Buick Park Avenue. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Dodge Durango 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 2012 Dodge Durango. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Buick Park Avenue, 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 Buick Park Avenue (387 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Durango. (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Durango.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Park Avenue | 2012 Dodge Durango | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Park Avenue | Durango |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3798 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 2225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 5075 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1925 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1801 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3043 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 93 L |
