1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1997 Dodge Caravan is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 35 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1997 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 1997 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | 450 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2970 mm |
