2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 1 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 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 175 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 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Opel Meriva. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (138 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 156 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 14.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
