2004 Dodge Caravan vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Caravan (145 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 277 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Dodge Caravan. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Caravan | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caravan | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1741 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
