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 2,492 cc (5 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (74 HP @ 4400 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 62 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 1800 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 | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 17 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 52 L |
