1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 GMC Yukon
To start off, 2012 GMC Yukon 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 GMC Yukon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 GMC Yukon (320 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (156 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Yukon should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Yukon weights approximately 868 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 GMC Yukon 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 GMC Yukon. 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 GMC Yukon (454 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (275 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Yukon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2012 GMC Yukon | |
| Make | Dodge | GMC |
| Model | Caravan | Yukon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 2573 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5649 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 2009 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1951 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3302 mm |
