2009 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 11 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 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Elantra (119 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1998 Opel Meriva. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 240 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Elantra.
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, 1998 Opel Meriva (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. (153 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Elantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Elantra | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Hyundai | Opel |
| Model | Elantra | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2640 mm |
