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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (5 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 150 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 | 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 | 3299 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 5 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 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 | 1691 kg | 1541 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 |
