Volkswagen Caravelle (T4) Long 2.5 (110 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

8.2 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 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) Long Overview:

Volkswagen Caravelle ((T4) Long). With 190 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1770 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 157 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.

2.5 (110 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers the best petrol performance in the lineup, providing smooth acceleration suitable for highway cruising, though the automatic transmission can feel a bit sluggish.

Fuel Economy

As a petrol automatic, fuel consumption is notably higher, especially in urban settings, making it less economical than its diesel counterparts.

Best Use Case: Highway / Mixed driving where comfort and smoother power delivery are prioritized over fuel economy.

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 interior space and versatility for passengers or cargo
  • • Renowned for robust build quality and long-term reliability
  • • Comfortable ride for a van of its era, especially on long journeys
  • • Available Syncro AWD system offers excellent all-weather capability
  • • Strong aftermarket support and parts availability
  • • Timeless design and strong resale value for well-maintained examples

Cons:

  • • Petrol engines can be very thirsty, especially the 2.5L automatic
  • • Diesel engines (especially naturally aspirated) offer very limited performance
  • • Lacks modern safety features and driver assistance systems
  • • Prone to rust in older models, particularly around wheel arches and sills
  • • Interior plastics can show wear and tear over time
  • • Older automatic transmissions can be slow and less refined

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(T3: 1987 - 1992).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Caravelle
Generation:(T4) Long
Modification (Engine):2.5 (110 Hp) Automatic
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 [455mm 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:9.9 l/100 km
Maximum speed:157 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:16.1 kg/Hp, 62.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.3 kg/Nm, 107.3 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1770
Max. weight:2640-2800
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:870-1030
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:6300 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:5055 mm mm [455mm more]
Width:1840 mm mm [5mm less]
Height:1940 mm mm [80mm less]
Wheelbase:3320 mm mm [840mm 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):12.9 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
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

Does the Volkswagen Caravelle live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!