2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 655 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Lotus Elise 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand 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, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan has automatic transmission and 1997 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1997 Lotus Elise 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 | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Grand Caravan | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3778 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 40 L |
