2005 Dodge Caravan vs. 2011 Kia Optima
To start off, 2011 Kia Optima is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Optima (200 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2005 Dodge Caravan. (145 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2005 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 296 kg more than 2011 Kia Optima.
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 Kia Optima (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Dodge Caravan. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Caravan | 2011 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Caravan | Optima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
