1997 Nissan Laurel vs. 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
To start off, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan (283 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 656 kg more than 1997 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Nissan Laurel 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 1997 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Grand 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 Dodge Grand Caravan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Laurel | 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan | |
| Make | Nissan | Dodge |
| Model | Laurel | Grand Caravan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 2046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5151 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1999 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3078 mm |
