1968 Fiat 850 vs. 2002 Vauxhall Meriva
To start off, 2002 Vauxhall Meriva is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Vauxhall Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Vauxhall Meriva (118 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Vauxhall Meriva should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Vauxhall Meriva weights approximately 590 kg more than 1968 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Fiat 850 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 1968 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Vauxhall 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, 2002 Vauxhall Meriva (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 850. (65 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Vauxhall Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 850 | 2002 Vauxhall Meriva | |
| Make | Fiat | Vauxhall |
| Model | 850 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2640 mm |
