2009 Buick Lucerne vs. 1997 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 12 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 3,880 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 183 kg more than 2009 Buick Lucerne.
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, 2009 Buick Lucerne (321 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan. 2009 Buick Lucerne 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. 2009 Buick Lucerne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick Lucerne | 1997 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Lucerne | Caravan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3880 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2880 mm |
