1998 Dodge Caravan vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 474 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Caravan. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Caravan | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2860 mm |
