1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 2009 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 12 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Caravan (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 660 kg more than 2009 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Fiat Panda 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, 2009 Fiat Panda 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, 2009 Fiat Panda (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 2009 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Dodge | Fiat |
| Model | Caravan | Panda |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2310 mm |
