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A Merit in GTA San Andreas (Rear quarter view).
The Merit is one of the many full-size four-door sedans featured in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Grand Theft Auto IV.
Design
GTA San Andreas
The Merit is originally based on a fourth generation, 1992-1995 Mazda 929, one of a handful of vehicles in GTA San Andreas with a rounded body design.
GTA IV
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A Merit in GTA IV (Rear quarter view).
In Grand Theft Auto IV, the Merit, assuming a Declasse badge, is redesigned with a similar look to the 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala with the back seemingly inspired by a mid-1990s BMW E36 3-Series, the front bumper could be derived from a variety of cars, and the headlights look more reminiscent of a fourth generation Pontiac GTO than the Impala (the split grille is also Pontiac-like). This car is also the standard base for the Police Patrol car and a taxi car. After collecting all thirty cars for Stevie he agrees to purchase cars from Niko Bellic, with the Merit fetching $1,800.
Performance
GTA San Andreas
This rendition of the Merit is designed as a balanced out performance, having average brake response and cornering, and good acceleration and speed. Coupled with its four-seat capacity, the Merit is a practically a good choice for drive-bys and police evasion.
GTA IV
The GTA IV rendition of the Merit is powered by a V6, mated to a 5 speed transmission in a RWD layout. Acceleration is good, but nothing special; in line with the Merit's vanilla, everyday sedan image. Top speed is good, but again, not impressive. Braking is very good, and ABS is standard equipment. The suspension is very firm, keeping the Merit flat through corners; and making it able to corner effectively at speed. Accident deformation is acceptable, as the Merit will survive a few frontal impacts before being rendered unusable. The Merit seems suited towards any situation, it's capable of high speeds and it seems able to survive a serious car chase, making it a perfect addition to any parking space.
Modifications (GTA San Andreas)
The Merit can be upgraded at TransFender in many aspects including Nitro.
Trivia
- The Merit plays the following radio stations by default when entered:
- West Coast Talk Radio in GTA San Andreas.
- The Beat 102.7 or The Classics 104.1 in GTA IV.
- Michelle, Niko's girlfriend, owns a Merit, which he may keep after the mission First Date