2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan would be higher. At 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 140 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 SLK. 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 (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Grand Caravan | SLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3778 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 60 L |
