2002 Opel Meriva vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Opel Meriva would be higher. At 2,768 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2002 Opel Meriva. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2002 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 467 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 2009 Dodge Nitro 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Opel Meriva. (241 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Opel Meriva. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2002 Opel Meriva has manual transmission. 2002 Opel Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Opel Meriva | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Opel | Dodge |
| Model | Meriva | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 2768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.5 seconds | 11.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
