1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2008 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable 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 3,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Sable (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (156 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 127 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.
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, 2008 Mercury Sable (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (275 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2008 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Caravan | Sable |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 3495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2870 mm |
