1998 Opel Meriva vs. 1979 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Meriva is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Vauxhall Astra 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 25 more horse power than 1979 Vauxhall Astra. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1979 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 495 kg more than 1979 Vauxhall Astra. 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, 1998 Opel Meriva (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Vauxhall Astra. (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Vauxhall Astra. 1979 Vauxhall Astra has automatic transmission and 1998 Opel Meriva has manual transmission. 1998 Opel Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Vauxhall Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Meriva | 1979 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Opel | Vauxhall |
| Model | Meriva | Astra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2520 mm |
