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Volkswagen Caravelle T4, facelift 1996 2.4 D (78 Hp) Syncro
Overall Rating
8.3 / 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)
T4, facelift 1996 Overview:
Volkswagen Caravelle (T4, facelift 1996). With 164 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1800 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 135 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
2.4 D (78 Hp) Syncro Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Underpowered for a vehicle of this size, especially with the Syncro system, leading to very leisurely acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for a diesel, but the Syncro system slightly increases consumption.
Best Use Case:
Utility / Light off-road / Low-speed tasks
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
Allowed: 50%
Neutral: 0%
Issues: 50%
3 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 4 discussions
Read What Owners Say
👍 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.
👎 NEGATIVE
A lot of people conflate cost of maintenance with reliability. The people bashing brands like VW, Audi, and BMW will turn around and praise Porsches for being reliable. Yes, Porsches are reliable, but maintenance costs are high.
Being reliable means that the car won't break down on you unexpectedly. Unless you're buying a VW that is well known to fail (for example, 1st and 2nd gen EA888 engines),
👎 NEGATIVE
I’m at 105k miles and had to replace two emissions systems valves ($1800) and the 21’s have shit brakes. I’ve spent more money on brakes and rotors than anything. Almost never have to change them on a Yota or a Honda. Facts
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional reliability and durability
- • Spacious and versatile interior
- • Strong resale value
- • Good range of diesel engines for economy
- • Syncro AWD option for enhanced capability
- • Comfortable ride for long journeys
Cons:
- • Basic safety features by modern standards
- • Some petrol engines are very thirsty
- • Underpowered base engines
- • Can be prone to rust if not maintained
- • Older automatic transmissions can be sluggish
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((T4) Long: 1993 - 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Caravelle |
| Generation: | T4, facelift 1996 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.4 D (78 Hp) Syncro |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| 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 [266mm less] |
| 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: | 14.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 10.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 14.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 8.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.8 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 135 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 23.1 kg/Hp, 43.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 11 kg/Nm, 91.1 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1800 |
| Max. weight: | 2650-2800 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 850-1000 |
| 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: | |
|---|---|
| Wading depth: | 350 mm |
| Length: | 4789 mm mm [266mm less] |
| Width: | 1840 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1940 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2920 mm mm [400mm less] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2175 mm |
| Front track: | 1589 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1554 mm |
| Front overhang: | 968 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 901 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 permanently, and the rear wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Trailing arm |
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