1981 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Meriva (101 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 595 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Opel Meriva (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Honda | Opel |
| Model | Civic | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 53 L |
