2005 Dodge Caravan vs. 2000 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2005 Dodge Caravan is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Opel Meriva would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Dodge Caravan (145 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2000 Opel Meriva. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 2000 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 394 kg more than 2000 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Dodge Caravan (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Opel Meriva. (138 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Caravan | 2000 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Dodge | Opel |
| Model | Caravan | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 44 L |
