1978 Buick Electra vs. 2000 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2000 Opel Meriva is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2000 Opel Meriva. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2000 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 392 kg more than 2000 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Electra 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 1978 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1978 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2000 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Electra | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2490 mm |
