1970 Fiat 850 vs. 2004 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2004 Opel Meriva is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Meriva (98 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Meriva weights approximately 640 kg more than 1970 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Opel Meriva (151 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 850. (66 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 850 | 2004 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 850 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2610 mm |
