1998 Dodge Caravan vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 13 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 336 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Caravan | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caravan | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2578 mm |
