1970 Fiat 500 vs. 1999 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1999 Opel Meriva is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Meriva (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Meriva weights approximately 900 kg more than 1970 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 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 (166 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 1999 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
