2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,299 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 81 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Grand Caravan | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3299 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 65 L |
