2006 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Dodge Caravan 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 40 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 486 kg more than 2012 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Dodge Caravan 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 2006 Dodge Caravan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra, 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, 2006 Dodge Caravan (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Caravan | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Caravan | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3310 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1842 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4567 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
