1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2003 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2003 Subaru Outback is newer by 7 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, 2003 Subaru Outback (165 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (164 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 480 kg more than 2003 Subaru Outback.
Because 2003 Subaru Outback 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, 2003 Subaru Outback 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 (307 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Outback. (225 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Outback.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2003 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Dodge | Subaru |
| Model | Caravan | Outback |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3778 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 307 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2530 mm |
