2003 Opel Meriva vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Soul (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (118 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 294 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul.
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, 2003 Opel Meriva (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul. 2012 Kia Soul 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. 2012 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Meriva | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Opel | Kia |
| Model | Meriva | Soul |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1186 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 48 L |
