2009 BMW 523 vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 6 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (81 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Because 2009 BMW 523 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 2009 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2009 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (150 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 523 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 13.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
