1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 95 kg more than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Because 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (262 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1996 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 1996 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Dodge | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Caravan | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2960 mm |
