1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1997 Dodge Caravan is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 185 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 404 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2810 mm |
