1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2004 Ford Five Hundred
To start off, 2004 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 8 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Five Hundred is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Five Hundred (200 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 125 kg more than 2004 Ford Five Hundred.
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, 2004 Ford Five Hundred (266 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan. 2004 Ford Five Hundred has automatic transmission and 1996 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 1996 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Five Hundred will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2004 Ford Five Hundred | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caravan | Five Hundred |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5650 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 266 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3010 mm |
