1998 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2012 Ford Falcon is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Falcon (265 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 43 kg more than 2012 Ford Falcon.
Because 2012 Ford Falcon 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 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 Ford Falcon (409 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Caravan. 2012 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 1998 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 1998 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Caravan | 2012 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caravan | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 409 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | LPG |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1757 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4955 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2838 mm |
