1960 Fairthorpe Electron vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1998 Opel Meriva is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fairthorpe Electron would be higher. At 1,685 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Meriva (99 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. (42 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 903 kg more than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Fairthorpe Electron 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 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Opel Meriva (185 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. (66 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fairthorpe Electron | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Opel |
| Model | Electron | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1685 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 42 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3360 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 52 L |
