1996 Nissan Sentra vs. 1999 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1999 Opel Meriva is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Meriva (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Meriva weights approximately 433 kg more than 1996 Nissan Sentra. 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, 1999 Opel Meriva (230 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Nissan Sentra | 1999 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Nissan | Opel |
| Model | Sentra | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2640 mm |
