1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
To start off, 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. (283 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 156 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Grand 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
| Model | SL | Grand Caravan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 2046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5151 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1999 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.9 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
