1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2006 Ford Freestyle
To start off, 2006 Ford Freestyle 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 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Freestyle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Freestyle (203 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Freestyle should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Freestyle weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 Dodge Caravan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Ford Freestyle 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, 2006 Ford Freestyle 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, 2006 Ford Freestyle (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Freestyle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2006 Ford Freestyle | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caravan | Freestyle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 2983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2870 mm |
