1990 Dodge Caravan vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1990 Dodge Caravan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1990 Dodge Caravan. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1990 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 205 kg more than 1990 Dodge Caravan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Dodge Caravan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Dodge Caravan. (183 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Dodge Caravan | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | S |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2870 mm |
