2007 Dodge Caliber vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Dodge Caliber is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Dodge Caliber (154 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (54 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 565 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2007 Dodge Caliber (190 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (92 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2007 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 2007 Dodge Caliber has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Dodge Caliber will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Dodge Caliber | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caliber | Passat |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 45 L |
