1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 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 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,860 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Meriva (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 246 kg more than 2008 Opel Meriva.
Because 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 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 Chevrolet Bel Air. 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, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Meriva. (166 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2008 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Bel Air | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2640 mm |
