2005 Dodge Nitro vs. 1999 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 2005 Dodge Nitro is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 3,704 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Dodge Nitro (208 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1999 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1999 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 65 kg more than 1999 Dodge Caravan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Nitro 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, 2005 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2005 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Dodge Caravan. 2005 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 1999 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 1999 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Nitro | 1999 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Nitro | Caravan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3704 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2880 mm |
