1998 Dodge Caravan vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1998 Dodge Caravan is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 204 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Caravan. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1998 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 1998 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Caravan | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | 380 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 305 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 | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2940 mm |
