1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Dodge Caravan is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Caravan (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 880 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1997 Dodge Caravan (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caravan | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2480 mm |
