1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2006 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2006 Opel Meriva is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Meriva (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Meriva weights approximately 864 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Fiat 500 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 1974 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Opel Meriva (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 2006 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 53 L |
