1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 2009 Jeep Compass
To start off, 2009 Jeep Compass 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Jeep Compass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jeep Compass (172 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jeep Compass should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 407 kg more than 2009 Jeep Compass.
Because 2009 Jeep Compass 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 Jeep Compass 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 Jeep Compass (224 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Jeep Compass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 2009 Jeep Compass | |
| Make | Dodge | Jeep |
| Model | Caravan | Compass |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2640 mm |
