1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 376 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Dodge Caravan | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Dodge | Mazda |
Model | Caravan | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 166 HP |
Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 229 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1329 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2340 mm |