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 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 170 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3.
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 Mazda 3 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
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 | 1558 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 158 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 17.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 53 L |
