1959 Abarth 850 vs. 2001 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2001 Opel Meriva is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 850 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Meriva (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Meriva weights approximately 810 kg more than 1959 Abarth 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 850 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 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Opel Meriva (166 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 2001 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | 850 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 53 L |
