2002 Dodge Caravan vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (291 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2002 Dodge Caravan. (145 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2002 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 270 kg more than 2002 Dodge Caravan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (385 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Caravan. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Caravan | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | S |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2428 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 6 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 2020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5226 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 2120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3165 mm |
