1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 85 kg more than 1997 Dodge Caravan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | CL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2890 mm |
