2004 Dodge Caravan vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Dodge Caravan is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2004 Dodge Caravan. (145 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2004 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 286 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Dodge Caravan (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (206 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Caravan | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caravan | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 2327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1741 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2710 mm |
