2003 BMW 530 vs. 1997 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 130 kg more than 2003 BMW 530.
Because 2003 BMW 530 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 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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 530 (501 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 1997 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 530 | Caravan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2880 mm |
