1967 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2000 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2000 Opel Meriva is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Opel Meriva (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Opel Meriva weights approximately 679 kg more than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite 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 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Opel Meriva (220 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite | 2000 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Opel |
| Model | Sprite | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1967 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 53 L |
