2000 Dodge Caravan vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Dodge Caravan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2000 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2000 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 410 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Dodge Caravan | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caravan | Contour |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2710 mm |
