2007 Mazda 3 vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Meriva (118 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 220 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 Mazda 3 (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda 3 | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | 3 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 11.3 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 | 1260 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 53 L |
