1958 Austin-Healey Sprite 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-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Meriva (101 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 716 kg more than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite 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-Healey Sprite. 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 (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Opel |
| Model | Sprite | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 53 L |
