1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Dodge Caravan 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 3 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 446 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan. 2006 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1997 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 1997 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Dodge Caravan | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
Model | Caravan | Golf |
Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1896 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 131 HP | 128 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 310 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1354 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 |