2006 Dodge Caravan vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
To start off, 2006 Dodge Caravan is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Dodge Caravan (150 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (133 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight.
Because 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight 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 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Dodge Caravan. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Caravan | 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | |
| Make | Dodge | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Caravan | Eighty-Eight |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2397 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2960 mm |
