2003 Dodge Caravan vs. 2011 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2011 Buick LaCrosse 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 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Caravan. (146 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 13 kg more than 2011 Buick LaCrosse.
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, 2011 Buick LaCrosse (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Caravan. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Caravan. 2011 Buick LaCrosse 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 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Caravan | 2011 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Dodge | Buick |
| Model | Caravan | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1737 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
