1988 BMW 520 vs. 1999 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1999 Opel Meriva is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 129 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 132 kg more than 1999 Opel Meriva.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Opel Meriva (220 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1999 Opel Meriva has manual transmission. 1999 Opel Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1999 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 520 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
