1987 Fiat 126 vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1998 Opel Meriva is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Meriva (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1987 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1987 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 801 kg more than 1987 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Fiat 126 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 1987 Fiat 126. 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, 1998 Opel Meriva (185 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Fiat 126 | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 126 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2640 mm |
