2003 Opel Meriva vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Opel Meriva would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (101 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 18 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Meriva | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Meriva | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.3 seconds | 12.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
