1959 Abarth 600 vs. 2000 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2000 Opel Meriva is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Opel Meriva (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Opel Meriva weights approximately 808 kg more than 1959 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 600 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 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Opel Meriva (220 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 2000 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | 600 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2640 mm |
