1972 Austin Marina vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1998 Opel Meriva is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Austin Marina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Meriva (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1972 Austin Marina. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1972 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 476 kg more than 1972 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Austin Marina 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 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Opel Meriva (185 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Austin Marina. (145 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Austin Marina | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | Marina | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.8 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2640 mm |
