1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (156 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 245 kg more than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX.
Because 1985 Nissan 300 ZX 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 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. 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 (275 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. (235 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. 1996 Dodge Caravan has automatic transmission and 1985 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX 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 | 1985 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Caravan | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2530 mm |
