2003 BMW 318 vs. 1998 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 5 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. Both 2003 BMW 318 and 1998 Dodge Caravan are equipped with a 1,994 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 540 kg more than 2003 BMW 318.
Because 2003 BMW 318 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 2003 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2003 BMW 318 (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Caravan. 2003 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1998 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 1998 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1998 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 318 | Caravan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2880 mm |
