1969 Opel Olympia vs. 1982 Vauxhall Nova
To start off, 1982 Vauxhall Nova is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Vauxhall Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Vauxhall Nova (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1969 Opel Olympia. (58 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Vauxhall Nova should accelerate faster than 1969 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Opel Olympia weights approximately 18 kg more than 1982 Vauxhall Nova.
Because 1969 Opel Olympia 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 1969 Opel Olympia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Vauxhall Nova, 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, 1982 Vauxhall Nova (103 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Opel Olympia. (83 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1982 Vauxhall Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Opel Olympia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Opel Olympia | 1982 Vauxhall Nova | |
| Make | Opel | Vauxhall |
| Model | Olympia | Nova |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 762 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2350 mm |
