2002 Dodge Caravan vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Dodge Caravan is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 2002 Dodge Caravan. (145 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2002 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 40 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E.
Because 1997 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Caravan. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Caravan. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2002 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 2002 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Caravan | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | E |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2428 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
