1999 Opel Meriva vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1999 Opel Meriva is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Meriva (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Meriva weights approximately 493 kg more than 1973 Renault 12. 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, 1999 Opel Meriva (230 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Opel Meriva | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Meriva | 12 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 56 L |
