2003 Dodge Caravan vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Caravan. (146 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 470 kg more than 2003 Dodge Caravan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 550 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 2011 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 383 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Caravan. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Caravan. 2011 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 2003 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 2003 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Caravan | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Dodge | BMW |
| Model | Caravan | 550 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
