1998 Dodge Caravan vs. 2005 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2005 Pontiac Vibe is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Caravan (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. (122 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 543 kg more than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Pontiac Vibe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Pontiac Vibe 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, 1998 Dodge Caravan (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. 2005 Pontiac Vibe has automatic transmission and 1998 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 1998 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Pontiac Vibe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Caravan | 2005 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Caravan | Vibe |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1257 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2650 mm |
