1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 BMW X5
To start off, 2012 BMW X5 is newer by 16 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, 2012 BMW X5 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (156 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X5 weights approximately 545 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.
Because 2012 BMW X5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW X5 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (275 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2012 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Dodge | BMW |
| Model | Caravan | X5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1775 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2933 mm |
