1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 2,497 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 475 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (262 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caravan | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1899 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2520 mm |
