2009 Ford E-350 vs. 2006 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2009 Ford E-350 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Opel Meriva would be higher. At 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2006 Opel Meriva. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Meriva weights approximately 423 kg more than 2009 Ford E-350.
Because 2009 Ford E-350 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 Ford E-350. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 Ford E-350 (475 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Meriva. (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Meriva. 2009 Ford E-350 has automatic transmission and 2006 Opel Meriva has manual transmission. 2006 Opel Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford E-350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford E-350 | 2006 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | E-350 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 12 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3510 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 53 L |
