1972 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 15 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.
Because 1972 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Opel Meriva (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 520 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 158 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 17.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 53 L |
