2002 Dodge Stratus vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Dodge Stratus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Dodge Stratus would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2002 Dodge Stratus. (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2002 Dodge Stratus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 600 kg more than 2002 Dodge Stratus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Dodge Stratus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Stratus. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Stratus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Stratus | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Stratus | S |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 88 L |
