2003 Dodge Caravan vs. 2010 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Caravan. (146 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 560 kg more than 2003 Dodge Caravan. 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Caravan. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Caravan. 2010 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. 2010 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Caravan | 2010 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caravan | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
