2003 Dodge Caravan vs. 2011 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Xterra 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Caravan. (146 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 250 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 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Caravan. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Caravan. 2011 Nissan Xterra 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 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Caravan | 2011 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Caravan | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
