1992 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1992 Dodge Caravan. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1992 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 479 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 Lotus Elise 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 2012 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Dodge Caravan. (183 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Dodge Caravan | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Caravan | Elise |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2299 mm |
