2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2008 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2008 Opel Meriva is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 470 kg more than 2008 Opel Meriva.
Because 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Opel Meriva. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Hyundai Santa Fe (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Meriva. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2008 Opel Meriva has manual transmission. 2008 Opel Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2008 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Hyundai | Opel |
| Model | Santa Fe | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 53 L |
