1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2006 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 2006 Nissan Patrol 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 4,759 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Patrol is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Patrol (254 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Patrol should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 650 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 Nissan Patrol is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Nissan Patrol. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Nissan Patrol (425 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Patrol will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan. 2006 Nissan Patrol 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 Nissan Patrol will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2006 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Caravan | Patrol |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 4759 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 425 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 2355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2980 mm |
