2004 Dodge Caravan vs. 1980 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2004 Dodge Caravan is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Caravan (145 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Carina. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 745 kg more than 1980 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Toyota Carina 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 1980 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Dodge Caravan (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Toyota Carina. (115 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Toyota Carina. 1980 Toyota Carina has automatic transmission and 2004 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 2004 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Toyota Carina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Caravan | 1980 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Dodge | Toyota |
| Model | Caravan | Carina |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1741 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
