2008 Dodge Caliber vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2008 Dodge Caliber is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Opel Meriva would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Caliber (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (101 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 365 kg more than 2003 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, 2008 Dodge Caliber (170 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Caliber | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Dodge | Opel |
| Model | Caliber | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.9 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.5 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 53 L |
