2003 Opel Meriva vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 8 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 360 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.
Because 2011 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Meriva | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Meriva | 520 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 158 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 17.3 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
