1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 2003 Honda CR-V
To start off, 2003 Honda CR-V is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda CR-V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda CR-V (154 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda CR-V should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 300 kg more than 2003 Honda CR-V.
Because 2003 Honda CR-V is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda CR-V 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, 1997 Dodge Caravan (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda CR-V. (144 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda CR-V. 2003 Honda CR-V has automatic transmission and 1997 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 1997 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Honda CR-V will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 2003 Honda CR-V | |
| Make | Dodge | Honda |
| Model | Caravan | CR-V |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2630 mm |
