2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (173 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 729 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Caravan | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
