2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1997 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. Both 2009 Dodge Caliber and 1997 Toyota RAV4 are equipped with a 1,998 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Caliber (154 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1997 Toyota RAV4. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 125 kg more than 1997 Toyota RAV4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Dodge Caliber. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Toyota RAV4 will offer significantly more control. 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 Dodge Caliber (190 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota RAV4. (173 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota RAV4. 2009 Dodge Caliber has automatic transmission and 1997 Toyota RAV4 has manual transmission. 1997 Toyota RAV4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Caliber will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1997 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Dodge | Toyota |
| Model | Caliber | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2450 mm |
