1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Meriva (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 669 kg more than 1958 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Austin A 40 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 1958 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Opel Meriva (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 158 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 53 L |
