1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 16 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 175 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Dodge Caravan | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
Make | Dodge | BMW |
Model | Caravan | 3 Series |
Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2979 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 131 HP | 227 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 271 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | AWD |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1625 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4620 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1961 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1395 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2760 mm |