1978 Opel Manta vs. 1962 MG Midget
To start off, 1978 Opel Manta is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 MG Midget. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 MG Midget would be higher. At 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Manta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Manta (100 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1962 MG Midget. (46 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Manta should accelerate faster than 1962 MG Midget. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Manta weights approximately 315 kg more than 1962 MG Midget. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Opel Manta (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 MG Midget. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Manta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 MG Midget.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Manta | 1962 MG Midget | |
| Make | Opel | MG |
| Model | Manta | Midget |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1979 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 46 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1372 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1232 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2032 mm |
