1959 Abarth 500 vs. 2006 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2006 Opel Meriva is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Meriva (123 HP) has 103 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Meriva weights approximately 935 kg more than 1959 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Abarth 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Opel Meriva (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 2006 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 123 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4050 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 |
