1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 13 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 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz B. (138 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 270 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz B. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2009 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | B |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2780 mm |
