2006 Dodge Caliber vs. 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 2006 Dodge Caliber is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2006 Dodge Caliber. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport should accelerate faster than 2006 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 277 kg more than 2006 Dodge Caliber. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Dodge Caliber (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Caliber | 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Caliber | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1702 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 76 L |
