1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 13 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 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (156 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Frontier. (152 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Frontier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 175 kg more than 2009 Nissan Frontier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 2009 Nissan Frontier. 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 (275 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Frontier. (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Frontier. 1996 Dodge Caravan has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Dodge Caravan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Caravan | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 2486 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3200 mm |
