1998 Dodge Caravan vs. 2002 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 493 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2002 Volkswagen Passat (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Caravan. 2002 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1998 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 1998 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Caravan | 2002 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caravan | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| 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 | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2680 mm |
