2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan would be higher. At 3,299 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (200 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 229 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima.
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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Grand Caravan | Optima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3299 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 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 | 1691 kg | 1462 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
