1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 1978 Lancia Gamma
To start off, 1997 Dodge Caravan is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Gamma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Gamma would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Gamma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Caravan (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Gamma. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Gamma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 474 kg more than 1978 Lancia Gamma. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1978 Lancia Gamma (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1978 Lancia Gamma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 1978 Lancia Gamma | |
| Make | Dodge | Lancia |
| Model | Caravan | Gamma |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2680 mm |
