1959 Austin Princess vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Austin Princess (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (81 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Austin Princess should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin Princess weights approximately 825 kg more than 2003 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Austin Princess 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 Austin Princess. 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, 1959 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (150 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin Princess | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | Princess | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2520 mm |
