2006 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Dodge Caravan 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 19 more horse power than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (161 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda CX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 256 kg more than 2012 Mazda CX-7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Dodge Caravan 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 Dodge Caravan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7, 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 Dodge Caravan (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda CX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Caravan | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Caravan | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3310 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1842 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 62 L |
