1972 Alfa Romeo Junior vs. 2001 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2001 Opel Meriva is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Meriva (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Meriva weights approximately 350 kg more than 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior 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 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Opel Meriva (166 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior | 2001 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | Junior | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3910 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
