1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 105 kg more than 1996 Dodge Caravan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2970 mm |
