1982 Opel Ascona vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Opel Ascona 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 27 more horse power than 1982 Opel Ascona. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 460 kg more than 1982 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Opel Ascona. 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, 2003 Opel Meriva (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (102 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Opel Ascona | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Ascona | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
