1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 Chrysler Town & Country
To start off, 2012 Chrysler Town & Country 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chrysler Town & Country is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chrysler Town & Country (283 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (156 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chrysler Town & Country should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chrysler Town & Country weights approximately 405 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.
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, 2012 Chrysler Town & Country (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (275 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Chrysler Town & Country will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2012 Chrysler Town & Country | |
| Make | Dodge | Chrysler |
| Model | Caravan | Town & Country |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 2110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5151 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1999 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3078 mm |
