2002 Dodge Caravan vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 2,428 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Dodge Caravan (145 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 350 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2002 Dodge Caravan (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2002 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Caravan | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caravan | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2428 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
