1984 Fiat Panda vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1998 Opel Meriva is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Meriva (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1984 Fiat Panda. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1984 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 589 kg more than 1984 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Opel Meriva. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Opel Meriva (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Fiat Panda. (69 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Fiat Panda | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | Panda | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 965 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.3 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2640 mm |
