1996 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2004 Opel Meriva is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2004 Opel Meriva. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 146 kg more than 2004 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1996 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Meriva. (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 2004 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 520 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
