1971 Opel Kadett vs. 2007 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2007 Opel Meriva is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,248 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Meriva (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1971 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Meriva weights approximately 570 kg more than 1971 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Opel Kadett 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 1971 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Opel Meriva (170 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Kadett. (88 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Kadett | 2007 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Kadett | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
