1999 Opel Meriva vs. 2002 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2002 Smart Roadster is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Opel Meriva would be higher. At 1,684 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1999 Opel Meriva. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1999 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Meriva weights approximately 508 kg more than 2002 Smart Roadster.
Because 2002 Smart Roadster 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 2002 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Opel Meriva (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Opel Meriva | 2002 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Opel | Smart |
| Model | Meriva | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1684 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
