1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2012 Subaru Legacy 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Legacy (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 242 kg more than 2012 Subaru Legacy.
Because 2012 Subaru Legacy is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Legacy 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, 2012 Subaru Legacy (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 2012 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Dodge | Subaru |
| Model | Caravan | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1558 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1535 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2750 mm |
