1990 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1990 Dodge Caravan. (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1990 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 732 kg more than 1990 Dodge Caravan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Dodge Caravan. (251 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Dodge Caravan | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caravan | T5 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 3010 mm |
