1996 Fiat 126 vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1998 Opel Meriva is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat 126 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 (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 705 kg more than 1996 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 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 (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 126 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
