2005 Dodge Caravan vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2005 Dodge Caravan. (145 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2005 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 80 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Dodge Caravan. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Dodge Caravan. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2005 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 2005 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Caravan | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | E |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1670 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
