1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 230 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (262 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Dodge Caravan | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Caravan | 280 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 262 Nm | 241 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1475 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2800 mm |