2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (101 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 145 kg more than 2004 Mazda 3.
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 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | 3 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 13.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 53 L |
