2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1998 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Caliber (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 330 kg more than 2009 Dodge Caliber.
Because 2009 Dodge Caliber is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Volkswagen Sharan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber 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, both vehicles can yield 170 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1998 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caliber | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
