1980 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1998 Opel Meriva is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1998 Opel Meriva. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 215 kg more than 1998 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 Mercedes-Benz S (306 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Meriva. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1998 Opel Meriva has manual transmission. 1998 Opel Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz S | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | S | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2610 mm |
