1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 2008 Mazda 6
To start off, 2008 Mazda 6 is newer by 11 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 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 6 (212 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 620 kg more than 2008 Mazda 6.
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, 2008 Mazda 6 (267 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan. 2008 Mazda 6 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. 2008 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 2008 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Caravan | 6 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2680 mm |
