1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 10 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (149 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 215 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C.
Because 2007 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2720 mm |
