2002 Dodge Caravan vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 2002 Dodge Caravan is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 2,759 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Soarer (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2002 Dodge Caravan. (145 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Soarer should accelerate faster than 2002 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 445 kg more than 1981 Toyota Soarer.
Because 1981 Toyota Soarer 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 1981 Toyota Soarer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1981 Toyota Soarer (235 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Caravan. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Caravan. 1981 Toyota Soarer has automatic transmission and 2002 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 2002 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Soarer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Caravan | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Dodge | Toyota |
| Model | Caravan | Soarer |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2428 cc | 2759 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2670 mm |
