1999 Dodge Caravan vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Dodge Caravan (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. (90 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 335 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo (185 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Dodge Caravan. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo has automatic transmission and 1999 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 1999 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Dodge Caravan | 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | Vaneo |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2860 mm |
