1955 Austin A 30 vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1998 Opel Meriva is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Meriva (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 695 kg more than 1955 Austin A 30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Austin A 30 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 1955 Austin A 30. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Opel Meriva (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 30 | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 30 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2640 mm |
