1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2009 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Sentra 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 16 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 263 kg more than 2009 Nissan Sentra. 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 (275 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Sentra. (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2009 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Caravan | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2690 mm |
