1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 2005 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2005 Subaru Forester is newer by 8 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 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Subaru Forester (210 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 330 kg more than 2005 Subaru Forester.
Because 2005 Subaru Forester 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, 2005 Subaru Forester 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, 2005 Subaru Forester (319 Nm) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm). This means 2005 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 2005 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Dodge | Subaru |
| Model | Caravan | Forester |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2660 mm |
