2001 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 Mazda 5
To start off, 2012 Mazda 5 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 5 (157 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2001 Dodge Caravan. (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 2001 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 300 kg more than 2012 Mazda 5.
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, 2001 Dodge Caravan (313 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 5. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 5. 2012 Mazda 5 has automatic transmission and 2001 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 2001 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Dodge Caravan | 2012 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Caravan | 5 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2751 mm |
