2009 Citroen C3 vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2009 Citroen C3 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. Both 2009 Citroen C3 and 2003 Opel Meriva are equipped with a 1,598 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen C3 (118 HP @ 5660 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C3 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2003 Opel Meriva. 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, 2009 Citroen C3 (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (138 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C3 | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | C3 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5660 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.7 seconds | 14.5 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 | 1365 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 53 L |
