2000 Opel Meriva vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 2000 Opel Meriva is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2000 Opel Meriva. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2000 Opel Meriva.
Because 1980 Volvo 260 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 1980 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Opel Meriva (229 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Opel Meriva | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Meriva | 260 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2660 mm |
