1975 Opel Ascona vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Meriva (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1975 Opel Ascona. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 378 kg more than 1975 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Opel Ascona 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 1975 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Opel Meriva (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Ascona. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Opel Ascona | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Ascona | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 53 L |
