1988 Buick Electra vs. 2008 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2008 Opel Meriva is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2008 Opel Meriva. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 177 kg more than 2008 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Meriva. (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Meriva. 1988 Buick Electra 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. 1988 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 2008 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Electra | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2640 mm |
