1998 Dodge Caravan vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Dodge Caravan is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (150 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 588 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
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 Volkswagen Golf (202 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Caravan | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caravan | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1212 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2520 mm |
