2011 Nissan Armada vs. 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
To start off, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Nissan Armada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Nissan Armada would be higher. At 5,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Armada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Armada (317 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. (283 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Armada should accelerate faster than 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Armada weights approximately 422 kg more than 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Nissan Armada 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 2011 Nissan Armada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Grand 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, 2011 Nissan Armada (521 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Armada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Armada | 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan | |
| Make | Nissan | Dodge |
| Model | Armada | Grand Caravan |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5600 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 521 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2468 kg | 2046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5276 mm | 5151 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2014 mm | 1999 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1961 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3129 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 106 L | 76 L |
