2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 29 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 3,299 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 731 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.
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, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Caravan | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3299 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2560 mm |
