2004 Alpina B3 vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2004 Alpina B3 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 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (101 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alpina B3 weights approximately 265 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 Alpina B3 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 2004 Alpina B3. 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, 2004 Alpina B3 (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alpina B3 | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Alpina | Opel |
| Model | B3 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
