2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 3 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (149 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (101 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 235 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.
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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 156 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 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 | 1615 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
