2009 Nissan Altima vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1998 Opel Meriva. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 60 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.
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 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Meriva. (185 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Nissan | Opel |
| Model | Altima | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 52 L |
