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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Buick LaCrosse (280 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 134 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. 2011 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 85 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.
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 (351 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 125 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 | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 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 | 1835 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 |
