1973 Fiat 132 vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1998 Opel Meriva is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 132. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 132 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Meriva (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 132. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 132. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 316 kg more than 1973 Fiat 132. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Fiat 132 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 1973 Fiat 132. 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 132. (135 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 132.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 132 | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 132 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1756 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2640 mm |
