2006 Dodge Caravan vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Dodge Caravan is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,309 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Dodge Caravan (180 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 790 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Dodge Caravan is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Caravan 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, 2006 Dodge Caravan (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Caravan | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caravan | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3309 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2560 mm |
