1980 Lancia Beta vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (81 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 295 kg more than 1980 Lancia Beta.
Because 1980 Lancia Beta 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 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1980 Lancia Beta (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (150 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lancia Beta | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Lancia | Opel |
| Model | Beta | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 53 L |
