1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1977 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1977 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1977 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 565 kg more than 1977 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Nissan Laurel 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 1977 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Dodge Caravan | 1977 Nissan Laurel | |
Make | Dodge | Nissan |
Model | Caravan | Laurel |
Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1770 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 97 HP |
Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 229 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2680 mm |