2003 Mazda 3 vs. 2004 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2004 Opel Meriva is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Meriva (124 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 3 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2004 Opel Meriva.
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, 2004 Opel Meriva (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 3 | 2004 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | 3 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.4 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 53 L |
