2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 2008 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Opel Meriva would be higher. At 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Meriva weights approximately 35 kg more than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan.
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, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Meriva. (241 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Meriva. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan has automatic transmission and 2008 Opel Meriva has manual transmission. 2008 Opel Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | 2008 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Dodge | Opel |
| Model | Grand Caravan | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3778 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 53 L |
