2004 Opel Meriva vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Opel Meriva would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2004 Opel Meriva. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Meriva weights approximately 3 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Meriva. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2004 Opel Meriva has manual transmission. 2004 Opel Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Opel Meriva | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Opel | Mazda |
| Model | Meriva | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
