2004 Dodge Caravan vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Dodge Caravan is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2004 Dodge Caravan. (145 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 1027 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 Lotus Elise 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Dodge Caravan (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2004 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Caravan | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Caravan | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1741 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2310 mm |
