1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 15 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Soul (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 572 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul.
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, 2012 Kia Soul (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Caravan | Soul |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1228 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2550 mm |
