1997 Dodge Dakota vs. 2002 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2002 Opel Meriva is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2002 Opel Meriva. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2002 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 137 kg more than 2002 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Opel Meriva. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Opel Meriva (241 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2002 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Dakota | 2002 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Dodge | Opel |
| Model | Dakota | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 52 L |
