1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2008 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2008 Ford Fiesta is newer by 12 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 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 560 kg more than 2008 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (204 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2008 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caravan | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1559 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2490 mm |
