2008 BMW 545 vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2008 BMW 545 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1998 Opel Meriva. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 545 weights approximately 325 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 BMW 545 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 BMW 545. 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 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Meriva. (185 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 545 | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 545 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 13.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
