2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
To start off, 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. (283 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 61 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 348 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
| Model | S | Grand Caravan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1985 kg | 2046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5151 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1999 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 76 L |
