2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Meriva (101 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 225 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3. 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, 2003 Opel Meriva (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | 3 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1349 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.3 seconds | 13.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 53 L |
