1957 Abarth 500 vs. 2008 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2008 Opel Meriva is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Meriva (104 HP) has 84 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Meriva weights approximately 930 kg more than 1957 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Abarth 500 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 1957 Abarth 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Opel Meriva (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500. 2008 Opel Meriva has automatic transmission and 1957 Abarth 500 has manual transmission. 1957 Abarth 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Opel Meriva will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 2008 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 478 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 104 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 53 L |
