1972 Nissan Laurel vs. 1999 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1999 Opel Meriva is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,815 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Meriva (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1972 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1972 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Meriva weights approximately 380 kg more than 1972 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Nissan Laurel 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 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Opel Meriva (229 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Nissan Laurel. (155 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Nissan Laurel | 1999 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Nissan | Opel |
| Model | Laurel | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1815 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2610 mm |
