1998 Buick Century vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, both 1998 Buick Century and 1998 Opel Meriva were released in the same year (1998). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1998 Opel Meriva. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Century weights approximately 134 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Meriva. (185 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Meriva. 1998 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 1998 Opel Meriva has manual transmission. 1998 Opel Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Century | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Century | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 52 L |
