2006 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 1997 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Silverado is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Silverado (300 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 330 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Silverado.
Because 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 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 Chevrolet Silverado. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2006 Chevrolet Silverado (489 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan. 2006 Chevrolet Silverado has automatic transmission and 1997 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 1997 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Chevrolet Silverado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Silverado | 1997 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Silverado | Caravan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6570 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2450 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1970 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 4250 mm | 2880 mm |
