1973 Opel Kadett 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 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Meriva (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 603 kg more than 1973 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Opel Kadett 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 Opel Kadett. 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 @ 1800 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Kadett | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Kadett | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 53 L |
