1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 7,206 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (217 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 145 kg more than 1996 Dodge Caravan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster 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, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster 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, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (447 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (262 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Dodge | Plymouth |
| Model | Caravan | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 7206 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2700 mm |
