2009 Nissan Maxima vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2009 Nissan Maxima 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Maxima (291 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1998 Opel Meriva. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 237 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 Maxima (354 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Meriva. 2009 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 1998 Opel Meriva has manual transmission. 1998 Opel Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Maxima | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Nissan | Opel |
| Model | Maxima | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4841 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1468 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2776 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
