1973 BMW 3 vs. 2006 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2006 Opel Meriva is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2006 Opel Meriva. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Meriva weights approximately 110 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.
Because 1973 BMW 3 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 1973 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2006 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 3 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
