Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Volkswagen Caravelle T3 1.9 (78 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
7.4 / 10
Volkswagen Caravelle:
Volkswagen Caravelle is the nameplate of a van based on the Volkswagen Transporter. For information about the Caravelle, refer to the regular Transporter articles:....(Read more on Wikipedia)
T3 Overview:
Volkswagen Caravelle (T3). With 153 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1535 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 125 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year
N/A
Adult Occupant
N/A
Stars
N/A
Expert Note:
The Volkswagen Caravelle T3 was produced before the establishment of Euro NCAP in 1997, and therefore has no official rating. Safety standards of the era were significantly different from modern vehicles.
The Volkswagen Caravelle T3 was produced before the establishment of Euro NCAP in 1997, and therefore has no official rating. Safety standards of the era were significantly different from modern vehicles.
1.9 (78 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A detuned 1.9L petrol with an automatic transmission, offering a smooth but unhurried driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Moderate fuel consumption, similar to other petrol automatics but with slightly less power.
Best Use Case:
Relaxed city driving, short commutes, light family use.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
Allowed: 82%
Neutral: 18%
Issues: 0%
4.6 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 11 discussions
Read What Owners Say
👍 POSITIVE
I had one of these… spun out on an icy bridge, then I got crushed by an oncoming car and the car that hit me was all f*cked up… so grateful, the car was a tank, saved my life!
👍 POSITIVE
By far one of the most reliable, comfortable, and capable cars ever built. There's a reason police used them all over North America. I had a 1985 Caprice Classic, and got over 300K miles on it,then gave it to my brother. He put another 80k on it, then the timing chain slipped. Cam gear was worn smooth. He replaced the timing gear set the side of the road in the middle of winter, and it started r
👍 POSITIVE
Very reliable, I drove one every day at work . It even got beat on from time to time, lol , and it still ran smoothly.
👍 POSITIVE
I actually miss these old crates. If you maintain them, they will last. And easy to work on and you don't have to worry about some electronic fuckery throwing on the Check Wallet light when the weather changes.
👍 POSITIVE
One of the best Chevy”s ever made.
👍 POSITIVE
If you find one with the LT1 engine you will enjoy driving it
👍 POSITIVE
I have a 77 caprice classic. Most parts from 1977 thru 1996 are compatible. They are getting old and there are some things that will wear out on you. But they are rock solid. Mine has never left me stranded. When the original engine (305) got tired. I replaced engine and transmission. 350 and a 350T. Absolutely love it. Won't sell it.
😐 NEUTRAL
The most comfortable forklift you’ll ever drive.
😐 NEUTRAL
I still see them in my area in rust we trust!!
👍 POSITIVE
The JD power reviews and bullshit and bought out
VW's are reliable. Their 2.0T engines are nearly bullet proof. Granted they have been having issues with their tiguans but overall great cars!
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior, ideal for families or camping conversions.
- • Iconic design with strong classic appeal and growing collector's value.
- • Good visibility and maneuverability for its size.
- • Syncro AWD models offer excellent off-road and all-weather capability.
- • Robust build quality, many examples still on the road.
Cons:
- • Engines can feel underpowered by modern standards, especially smaller diesels.
- • Fuel economy is not a strong point for petrol models, particularly the 2.1L.
- • Lack of modern safety features (no Euro NCAP rating).
- • Maintenance can be complex and parts for specific components (e.g., Wasserboxer cooling) can be costly.
- • Rust is a common issue, requiring careful inspection for older models.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(T3: 1985 - 1990).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Caravelle |
| Generation: | T3 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.9 (78 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1986 |
| End of production: | 1990 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 7-9 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 78 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 40.8 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 153 Nm @ 2600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | DG More details about the engine DG |
| Engine displacement: | 1913 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Boxer |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 17.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 94 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 68.9 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 125 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 19.5 kg/Hp, 51.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.9 kg/Nm, 100.7 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1520-1550 |
| Max. weight: | 2390-2600 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 870-1050 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2930 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 1700 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 600 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 50 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4600 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1845 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1950 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2460 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1583 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1570 mm |
| Front overhang: | 1175 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 965 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 190 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.7 m [above average] |
| Climb angle: | 25° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/80 R14; 205/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14; 6J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Trailing arm |
Rate the Volkswagen Caravelle from 1 to 10!