2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 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 2,386 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 325 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 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 159 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2386 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 11.3 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 | 1705 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.4 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
