1979 Austin Marina vs. 2002 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2002 Opel Meriva is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Opel Meriva (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Opel Meriva weights approximately 500 kg more than 1979 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Austin Marina 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 1979 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Opel Meriva (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 2002 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | Marina | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2840 mm |
