1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2012 Dodge Ram 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 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Ram (390 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (156 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 14 kg more than 2012 Dodge Ram.
Because 2012 Dodge Ram is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Ram 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 Dodge Ram (552 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (275 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2012 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Caravan | Ram |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 5654 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 390 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 552 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3560 mm |
