2003 Dodge Caravan vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 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, 2003 Dodge Caravan (146 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 165 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Caravan. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Caravan. 2008 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. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Caravan | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caravan | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
