1979 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2001 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2001 Opel Meriva is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2001 Opel Meriva. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 2001 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 330 kg more than 2001 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Opel Meriva. (240 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Opel Meriva. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2001 Opel Meriva has manual transmission. 2001 Opel Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Caprice | 2001 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Caprice | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2740 mm |
