1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1979 GMC Jimmy
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 GMC Jimmy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 GMC Jimmy would be higher. At 4,091 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 GMC Jimmy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (156 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1979 GMC Jimmy. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Jimmy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Jimmy weights approximately 95 kg more than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Because 1979 GMC Jimmy 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, 1979 GMC Jimmy 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (275 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 GMC Jimmy. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 GMC Jimmy.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 1979 GMC Jimmy | |
| Make | Dodge | GMC |
| Model | Caravan | Jimmy |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 4091 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2720 mm |
