1972 Alfa Romeo Junior vs. 2004 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2004 Opel Meriva is newer by 32 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Meriva (98 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior. (86 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Meriva weights approximately 405 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, 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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior. (115 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | Junior | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3910 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2610 mm |
