2006 Dodge Caravan vs. 1996 Ford Aerostar
To start off, 2006 Dodge Caravan is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Aerostar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Aerostar would be higher. At 3,310 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Dodge Caravan (180 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 Ford Aerostar. (133 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Aerostar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 327 kg more than 1996 Ford Aerostar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Dodge Caravan (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Aerostar. (217 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Aerostar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Caravan | 1996 Ford Aerostar | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caravan | Aerostar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3310 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1842 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3030 mm |
