2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 70 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. 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 (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Caravan | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3778 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
