1959 Abarth 850 vs. 2005 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2005 Opel Meriva is newer by 46 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), 2005 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Meriva (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Meriva weights approximately 795 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, 2005 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, 2005 Opel Meriva (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | 850 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| 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 | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 53 L |
