Volkswagen Caravelle T4 2.5 (110 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.6 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 2.5 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion 4.4 / 5

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 190 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1640 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 161 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. With seating for 6, 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 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.

2.5 (110 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 110 Hp petrol engine provides a decent balance of power for general use. Manual transmission offers better control and slightly improved acceleration compared to the automatic.

Fuel Economy

This petrol unit is thirsty, especially with a heavy foot. Expect high running costs, though slightly better than the automatic variant.

Best Use Case: Mixed driving / Occasional highway trips

reddit Community Verdict

This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

Allowed: 71% Neutral: 29% Issues: 0%
rating
4.4 / 5

Based on AI analysis of 7 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
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.
😐 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!
👍 POSITIVE
Yes. I had a 2013 Jetta S, put 160k on it with zero issues and nothing but basic maintenance and traded it in for a new Jetta.


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):2.5 (110 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:110 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:44.7 Hp/l [55mm more]
Torque:190 Nm @ 2200 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:AAF, ACU More details about the engine AAF, ACU
Engine displacement:2461
Number of cylinders:5
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:5.5 l
Coolant:11.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:81 mm mm
Piston Stroke:95.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:15.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.9 l/100 km
Maximum speed:161 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:14.9 kg/Hp, 67.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.6 kg/Nm, 115.9 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 ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/70 R15; 205/65 R15; 215/65 R15
Wheel rims size6J x 15; 7J x 15
Front suspensionIndependent torsion bar, double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent coil spring, Trailing arm

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