1979 Opel Ascona vs. 2003 Vauxhall Meriva
To start off, 2003 Vauxhall Meriva is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,408 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Opel Ascona (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Vauxhall Meriva weights approximately 193 kg more than 1979 Opel Ascona.
Because 1979 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 1979 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Vauxhall 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 Opel Ascona (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva. (138 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Ascona | 2003 Vauxhall Meriva | |
| Make | Opel | Vauxhall |
| Model | Ascona | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2408 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1082 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2640 mm |
