2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
To start off, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. (283 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 6 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2012 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 448 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
| Model | SL | Grand Caravan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 2046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5151 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1999 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
