1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1999 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1999 Opel Meriva is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Meriva (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Meriva weights approximately 808 kg more than 1980 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Fiat 126 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 1980 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Opel Meriva (230 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1999 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 126 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2640 mm |
