1988 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (101 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 180 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 M3. 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
