1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, both 1996 Dodge Caravan and 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 380 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1996 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 1996 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | SLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2410 mm |
