2005 BMW 525 vs. 1998 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 525 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 60 kg more than 2005 BMW 525.
Because 2005 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 2005 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2005 BMW 525 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 525 | 1998 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 525 | Caravan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2880 mm |
