1998 Dodge Caravan vs. 2007 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2007 Kia Sportage is newer by 9 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, 2007 Kia Sportage (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 258 kg more than 2007 Kia Sportage.
Because 2007 Kia Sportage 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, 2007 Kia Sportage 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, 2007 Kia Sportage (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2007 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Caravan | 2007 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Caravan | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2640 mm |
