2003 Opel Meriva vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Meriva (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 610 kg more than 1978 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Opel Kadett 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 1978 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Opel Meriva (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Meriva | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Meriva | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 43 L |
