1997 Nissan Primera vs. 2012 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2012 Dodge Caliber is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Primera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Primera would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Caliber (158 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Primera. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Primera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 174 kg more than 1997 Nissan Primera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Dodge Caliber (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Primera. (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Primera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Primera | 2012 Dodge Caliber | |
| Make | Nissan | Dodge |
| Model | Primera | Caliber |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1334 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2634 mm |
