1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 7 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 2,350 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 395 kg more than 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
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, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Caravan | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2570 mm |
