Volkswagen Caravelle
Built: 1987-2023 · Series: CARAVELLE
More machines from model year 1987
Not the right version? The data comes from vehicle registers holding many near-identical versions side by side. Photograph the data plate — we read make and type from it. Open the scanner e-mail address required
Volkswagen CARAVELLE – collective page of the passenger version of the Transporter: T3 to T6, Syncro/4MOTION four-wheel drive, TDI and VR6 engines, 51 to 128 kW
This page gathers the Volkswagen Caravelle, the passenger-carrying version of the VW Transporter with full glazing and bench seats, from the water-cooled third generation (T3) to the T4, T5 and T6. The Transporter is built at the home plant of Hannover-Stöcken, and since the 1980s also with four-wheel drive: Syncro (T3, T4) and 4MOTION (from the T5) denote engageable or permanent drive to both axles. TDI denotes turbocharged direct diesel injection, VR6 the narrow six-cylinder with its cylinders arranged in a V within a single block, and D.C. a crew cab.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The register lists here 52 versions with outputs from 51 to 128 kW, displacements from 1,580 to 3,189 cm³ from four- to six-cylinders, unladen weights from 1,445 to 2,481 kg against gross weights of 2,460 to 3,200 kg and widths from 1,770 to 2,040 mm; lengths are recorded for a handful of entries at 4,475 to 5,400 mm.
Alongside the more simply equipped Kombi and the California used as a camper base, the Caravelle is the comfort-oriented passenger variant of the Transporter and competes in family transport, shuttle services and commercial passenger carriage with the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Ford Tourneo.
On used examples, T3 Syncro versions call for checking the viscous coupling and differentials, TDI engines the timing belt, turbocharger and dual-mass flywheel, and all generations rust at the sliding-door tracks, wheel arches and floor as well as interior condition at high mileages; parts run through the dense Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles network.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Volkswagen CARAVELLE, Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge (manufacturer)
Technical data
Engine
| Power | 57 kWcorrect |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 6correct |
| Displacement | 3,189 cm³correct |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 5,300 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 2,040 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 3,420 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 2,481 kgcorrect |
| Gross vehicle weight | 3,200 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Gears | 6correct |
|---|---|
| Wheels | 4correct |
| Top speed | 203 km/hcorrect |
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 23 kW/t (57 kW / 2.5 t)
Stronger than 12% of the vans in the register — out of 7,144 models with a stated power figure.
Calculated from the documented figures above — not a rating.
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the Volkswagen Caravelle have?
The Volkswagen Caravelle delivers 57 kW.
How much does the Volkswagen Caravelle weigh?
The unladen weight is 2,481 kg.
What is the gross vehicle weight of the Volkswagen Caravelle?
3,200 kg.
What engine does the Volkswagen Caravelle have?
6 cylinders, 3,189 cm³ displacement.
What are the dimensions of the Volkswagen Caravelle?
5,300 mm × 2,040 mm.
When was the Volkswagen Caravelle built?
Production years: 1987-2023.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 14 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
The technical data on this page comes from official vehicle registration records (RDW/Traficom), not from the manufacturer.
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Other models in this series
3D CARAVELLE C SYNCRO-9-D-255-299-4X4/2460
3D CARAVELLE CL SYNCRO-9-D-255-299-4X4/2460
CARAVELLE , TDI 111 KW
CARAVELLE 2,5 TDI AUT.
CARAVELLE 2.0 TDI
CARAVELLE 2.0 TDI 150 KORT DSG
CARAVELLE 8,5 KWANT
CARAVELLE B 81 KW U9
CARAVELLE C
CARAVELLE COMFLOW128 TDI A
CARAVELLE D 57 KW
CARAVELLE D-50KW
Sources: RDW — Dutch national vehicle register (retrieved August 2026) · How we check the data
Van in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
