1997 Lada Niva vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,690 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Meriva (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1997 Lada Niva. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1997 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 138 kg more than 1997 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Opel Meriva. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Lada Niva will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Opel Meriva (138 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lada Niva. (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lada Niva | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Lada | Opel |
| Model | Niva | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 137 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 53 L |
