2008 Alpina B3 vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2008 Alpina B3 is newer by 10 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 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1998 Opel Meriva. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B3 weights approximately 72 kg more than 1998 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Alpina B3 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 2008 Alpina B3. 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, 2008 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B3 | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Alpina | Opel |
| Model | B3 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
