2006 Chevrolet SSR vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Opel Meriva would be higher. At 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (401 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 302 more horse power than 1998 Opel Meriva. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 272 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet SSR.
Because 2006 Chevrolet SSR 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 2006 Chevrolet SSR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Meriva. (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet SSR | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | SSR | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 401 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1078 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2640 mm |
