1998 Opel Meriva vs. 1980 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1998 Opel Meriva is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 1,714 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Plymouth Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Meriva (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 393 kg more than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. 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 (185 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Meriva | 1980 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Opel | Plymouth |
| Model | Meriva | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1714 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2530 mm |
