2006 BMW 318 vs. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 318 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Because 2006 BMW 318 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 2006 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand 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, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 318. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 318 | 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 318 | Grand Caravan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 13.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
