1998 Opel Meriva vs. 2013 Smart Fortwo
To start off, 2013 Smart Fortwo is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Opel Meriva 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 28 more horse power than 2013 Smart Fortwo. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 2013 Smart Fortwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 510 kg more than 2013 Smart Fortwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Smart Fortwo 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 2013 Smart Fortwo. 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 (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Smart Fortwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Smart Fortwo. 2013 Smart Fortwo 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. 2013 Smart Fortwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Meriva | 2013 Smart Fortwo | |
| Make | Opel | Smart |
| Model | Meriva | Fortwo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1559 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 1867 mm |
