1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1980 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (156 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1980 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1980 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 GMC Suburban weights approximately 525 kg more than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Because 1980 GMC Suburban 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, 1980 GMC Suburban 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, 1980 GMC Suburban (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (275 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1980 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 1980 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Dodge | GMC |
| Model | Caravan | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3300 mm |
