Dodge Caliber vs. Volvo C30 Review

Performance
In terms of horsepower, the Volvo packs quite a punch and will knock the Caliber down a few rungs. However, keep in mind that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
With their similar turning circles, the Volvo C30 and the Dodge most certainly handle approximately the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Volvo C30 has a more sizeable engine than the Dodge. Remember that smaller engines are often cheaper to fix, but smaller engines can be stressed more. The Dodge Caliber could learn a lesson or two from the Volvo with respect to pickup. The Volvo packs quite a wallop compared to the Dodge as far as torque, which is roughly equivalent to acceleration.

Utility
Drivers with frequent kid-duty might favor the Dodge Caliber over the Volvo.

Convenience
The Dodge Caliber's fuel tank will need to be replenished a tad more often than the unit in the Volvo C30.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Dodge offers a bit more head room than the Volvo C30, there really isn't much of a difference. The ampler interior dimensions of the Dodge Caliber make it significantly more spacious for your passengers than the Volvo C30.

Dimensions
The Volvo C30 is tremendously more bulky than the Dodge Caliber. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the C30 than the Dodge Caliber because of its bigger tank. The C30 and the Dodge Caliber compete for the same parking spaces.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. The Dodge is substantially cheaper to get to the dealership than the Volvo C30. With respect to gas mileage, the Dodge Caliber and the Volvo C30 don't differ much. The Volvo C30 won't tax your gasoline budget substantially more than the Caliber will. The Dodge Caliber is substantially less costly than the Volvo C30 as far as MSRP.

Warranty
The basic after-sale protection that comes with the Dodge Caliber isn't quite as generous as the C30's.