2004 Opel Meriva vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Opel Meriva is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2004 Opel Meriva. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Meriva weights approximately 35 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Opel Meriva. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (305 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Opel Meriva | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Meriva | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
