2000 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2000 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2000 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 888 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 Lotus Elise 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 2012 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Dodge 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 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Dodge Caravan | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Caravan | Elise |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2299 mm |
