1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 5,459 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 480 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will offer significantly more control. 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 CL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | CL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 5459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2960 mm |
