1966 Fiat 500 vs. 1999 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1999 Opel Meriva is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Meriva (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1966 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Meriva weights approximately 853 kg more than 1966 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Fiat 500 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 1966 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Opel Meriva (230 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Fiat 500 | 1999 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
