1999 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R is newer by 13 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R (210 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1999 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 1999 Dodge Caravan.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz R is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R (542 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Dodge Caravan. 2012 Mercedes-Benz R 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz R will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Dodge Caravan | 2012 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | R |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5156 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1958 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1661 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3216 mm |
