1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 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 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 384 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caravan | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1321 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2520 mm |
