2006 Dodge Caravan vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 2006 Dodge Caravan. (180 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2006 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 470 kg more than 2006 Dodge Caravan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 544 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Dodge Caravan. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Caravan | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caravan | CL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3310 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 90 L |
