1961 AC Cobra vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1998 Opel Meriva is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,265 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1998 Opel Meriva. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 370 kg more than 1961 AC Cobra.
Because 1961 AC Cobra 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 1961 AC Cobra. 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, 1961 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Meriva. (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | AC | Opel |
| Model | Cobra | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 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 | 980 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2640 mm |
