2006 Dodge Caravan vs. 1997 Jeep Cherokee
To start off, 2006 Dodge Caravan is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Jeep Cherokee. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Jeep Cherokee would be higher. At 3,310 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Dodge Caravan (180 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 462 kg more than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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 Caravan (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (194 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jeep Cherokee.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Caravan | 1997 Jeep Cherokee | |
| Make | Dodge | Jeep |
| Model | Caravan | Cherokee |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3310 cc | 2463 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 194 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 98.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1842 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2580 mm |
