2012 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan (283 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 536 kg more than 2008 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, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Caravan | Passat |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 283 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 352 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2046 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5151 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1999 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1725 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3078 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 62 L |
