2001 Dodge Caravan vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2001 Dodge Caravan. (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2001 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 160 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (341 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Dodge Caravan. (313 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Dodge Caravan. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2001 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 2001 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Dodge Caravan | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | C |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 341 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
