2003 Dodge Caravan vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Caravan. (146 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 95 kg more than 2003 Dodge Caravan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Caravan. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Caravan. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2003 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 2003 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Caravan | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
