1999 Opel Meriva vs. 1968 Opel Olympia
To start off, 1999 Opel Meriva is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,684 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Meriva (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1968 Opel Olympia. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Meriva weights approximately 607 kg more than 1968 Opel Olympia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Opel Olympia 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 1968 Opel Olympia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Opel Meriva (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Olympia. (86 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Olympia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Opel Meriva | 1968 Opel Olympia | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Meriva | Olympia |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1684 cc | 1078 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
