1959 NSU Prinz 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 NSU Prinz. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 NSU Prinz would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Meriva (101 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1959 NSU Prinz. (30 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1959 NSU Prinz. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 815 kg more than 1959 NSU Prinz. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 NSU Prinz 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 NSU Prinz. 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, 2003 Opel Meriva (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 NSU Prinz. (43 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 NSU Prinz.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 NSU Prinz | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | NSU | Opel |
| Model | Prinz | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 583 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 43 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 565 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2740 mm |
