1998 Opel Meriva vs. 2007 Volvo S40
To start off, 2007 Volvo S40 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Opel Meriva would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1998 Opel Meriva. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Meriva.
Because 2007 Volvo S40 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Opel Meriva. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Meriva. (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Meriva. 2007 Volvo S40 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. 2007 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Meriva | 2007 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Meriva | S40 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2650 mm |
