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Volkswagen Caravelle T4 2.4 D (78 Hp)
Overall Rating
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)
T4 Overview:
Volkswagen Caravelle (T4). With 164 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.1 l/100km). With a weight of 1640 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 137 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
The Volkswagen Caravelle T4 was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997 and was not officially rated. As an older vehicle, it lacks modern active and passive safety features found in contemporary vans.
2.4 D (78 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Known for its legendary reliability, but performance is very modest. It's a workhorse, not a sprinter, best suited for unhurried driving and heavy loads where torque matters more than speed.
Fuel Economy
A relatively economical diesel for its time, though not outstanding by modern standards. Its simplicity contributes to lower running costs beyond just fuel.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
4.4 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 7 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional reliability and durability, especially the diesel engines
- • Highly versatile and spacious interior, ideal for conversions or large families
- • Strong aftermarket support and parts availability
- • Comfortable driving position and good visibility for a van
- • Robust build quality that stands the test of time
Cons:
- • Petrol engines are very thirsty, leading to high running costs
- • Naturally aspirated diesel engines are significantly underpowered
- • Lack of modern safety features due to its age
- • Prone to rust, especially in older, unmaintained examples
- • Can be noisy at highway speeds, particularly the diesel variants
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(T3: 1987 - 1992).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Caravelle |
| Generation: | T4 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.4 D (78 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1990 |
| End of production: | 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 6-9 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 78 Hp @ 3700 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 32.9 Hp/l [55mm more] |
| Torque: | 164 Nm @ 1800-2200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AAB More details about the engine AAB |
| Engine displacement: | 2370 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 95.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 137 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 21 kg/Hp, 47.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 10 kg/Nm, 100 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1640 |
| Max. weight: | 2540-2700 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 900-1060 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 5400 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 700 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 100 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4655 mm mm [55mm more] |
| Width: | 1840 mm mm [5mm less] |
| Height: | 1940 mm mm [80mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2920 mm mm [440mm more] |
| Front track: | 1589 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1554 mm |
| Front overhang: | 860 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 875 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 180 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.7 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/70 R15; 205/65 R15; 215/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15; 7J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Trailing arm |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Volkswagen Caravelle rank in your book?