1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 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 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (164 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 749 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2011 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 2011 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 (307 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 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 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1996 Dodge Caravan has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Caravan | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3778 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 307 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2329 mm |
