2004 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2004 Dodge Caravan. (145 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2004 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 21 kg more than 2012 BMW 525.
Because 2012 BMW 525 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 2012 BMW 525. 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Dodge Caravan. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Dodge Caravan. 2012 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2004 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 2004 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Caravan | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Dodge | BMW |
| Model | Caravan | 525 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1741 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
