1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (164 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 611 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caravan | Contour |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3778 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 307 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2710 mm |
