1972 Fiat 124 vs. 2000 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2000 Opel Meriva is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2000 Opel Meriva. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 2000 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Opel Meriva weights approximately 384 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124.
Because 1972 Fiat 124 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 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Opel Meriva (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 2000 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 124 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 53 L |
