2002 Chevrolet Astro vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Astro is newer by 4 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 4,294 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Astro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Astro (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1998 Opel Meriva. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Astro should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 600 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.
Because 2002 Chevrolet Astro 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 Chevrolet Astro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2002 Chevrolet Astro (339 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Meriva. (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Astro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Astro | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Astro | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4294 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2640 mm |
