1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (164 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 740 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Mustang 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 1978 Ford Mustang. 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 (307 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang. 1996 Dodge Caravan has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Dodge Caravan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Dodge Caravan | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
Make | Dodge | Ford |
Model | Caravan | Mustang |
Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3778 cc | 2294 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 164 HP | 87 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 307 Nm | 161 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1185 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2560 mm |