2003 Dodge Caravan vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Caravan. (146 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 230 kg more than 2006 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, 2003 Dodge Caravan (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 2006 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2003 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 2003 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Caravan | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caravan | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
