2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1998 Ford Laser
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Caliber (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1998 Ford Laser. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 340 kg more than 1998 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Dodge Caliber (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (168 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1998 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caliber | Laser |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 53 L |
