1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1979 Ford LTD
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (156 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 145 kg more than 1979 Ford LTD. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford LTD 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 1979 Ford LTD. 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, 1979 Ford LTD (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (275 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 1979 Ford LTD | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caravan | LTD |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2910 mm |
