2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1996 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Dakota (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (156 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 14 kg more than 2009 Dodge Dakota.
Because 2009 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (275 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 1996 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Dakota | Caravan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2880 mm |
