1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2006 Ford Freestar
To start off, 2006 Ford Freestar is newer by 10 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 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Freestar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Freestar (194 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Freestar should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 262 kg more than 2006 Ford Freestar.
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, 2006 Ford Freestar (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (262 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Freestar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan. 2006 Ford Freestar 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. 2006 Ford Freestar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2006 Ford Freestar | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caravan | Freestar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3802 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1443 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3070 mm |
