1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1998 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 1998 Nissan Patrol is newer by 2 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 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (156 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1998 Nissan Patrol. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1998 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 491 kg more than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Because 1998 Nissan Patrol 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, 1998 Nissan Patrol 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 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Nissan Patrol. (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Nissan Patrol. 1996 Dodge Caravan has automatic transmission and 1998 Nissan Patrol has manual transmission. 1998 Nissan Patrol 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 | 1998 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Caravan | Patrol |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 2826 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 | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 2196 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
