2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 1978 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 3,299 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 821 kg more than 1978 Toyota Tercel. 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 Grand Caravan (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Tercel. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Tercel has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Tercel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | 1978 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Dodge | Toyota |
| Model | Grand Caravan | Tercel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3299 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2510 mm |
