2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 5 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 2005 Mazda RX-8 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2003 Opel Meriva has manual transmission. 2003 Opel Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
Make | Mazda | Opel |
Model | RX-8 | Meriva |
Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1311 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
Horse Power | 197 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 165 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1380 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4050 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1630 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2640 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 53 L |