2003 Opel Meriva vs. 1996 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,975 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Meriva (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (82 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 115 kg more than 1996 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Toyota Carina (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (138 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Meriva | 1996 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Opel | Toyota |
| Model | Meriva | Carina |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 59 L |
