2003 Dodge Caravan vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2003 Dodge Caravan is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Caravan. (146 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 730 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
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, 2003 Dodge Caravan (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Caravan | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Caravan | Elan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2260 mm |
