2003 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan would be higher. At 4,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. (212 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 120 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Grand 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. (332 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Grand Caravan | CLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3778 cc | 4965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
