1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (164 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 820 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 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 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche (454 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (307 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche | |
| Make | Dodge | Chevrolet |
| Model | Caravan | Avalanche |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3778 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 307 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3310 mm |
