2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 489 kg more than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Grand Caravan | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3299 cc | 5985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 100 L |
