2006 Dodge Caravan vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 3,310 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Dodge Caravan (180 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 552 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Dodge Caravan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Dodge Caravan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Caravan | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caravan | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3310 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1842 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
