2003 Opel Meriva vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 9 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (118 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 328 weights approximately 255 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 2012 BMW 328 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 2012 BMW 328. 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, 2012 BMW 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Meriva | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Meriva | 328 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 57 L |
