2004 Dodge Caravan vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 2004 Dodge Caravan. (145 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 350 kg more than 2004 Dodge Caravan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 304 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Dodge Caravan. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Dodge Caravan. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2004 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 2004 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Caravan | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1741 kg | 2091 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 90 L |
