2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 1998 Oldsmobile Alero
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Oldsmobile Alero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Oldsmobile Alero would be higher. At 3,392 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Oldsmobile Alero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (173 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 Oldsmobile Alero. (168 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 1998 Oldsmobile Alero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 560 kg more than 1998 Oldsmobile Alero. 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, 1998 Oldsmobile Alero (271 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Oldsmobile Alero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | 1998 Oldsmobile Alero | |
| Make | Dodge | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Grand Caravan | Alero |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 53 L |
