1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 Toyota Tundra
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tundra 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 3,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tundra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tundra (233 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tundra should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 726 kg more than 2012 Toyota Tundra.
Because 2012 Toyota Tundra is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Toyota Tundra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Caravan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Toyota Tundra (266 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tundra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan. 2012 Toyota Tundra 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. 2012 Toyota Tundra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 2012 Toyota Tundra | |
| Make | Dodge | Toyota |
| Model | Caravan | Tundra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 3998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 233 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 266 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2610 mm |
