2009 BMW 318 vs. 2001 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2001 Dodge Caravan. (139 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2001 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 345 kg more than 2009 BMW 318.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Dodge Caravan (313 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 2001 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 318 | Caravan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
