2003 Opel Meriva vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (101 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 40 kg more than 2003 Opel Meriva. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2003 Opel Meriva has manual transmission. 2003 Opel Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Meriva | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Meriva | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.3 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 62 L |
