2003 Opel Meriva vs. 1981 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Meriva (101 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corona. (68 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 330 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Corona 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 1981 Toyota Corona. 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 (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corona. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Meriva | 1981 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Opel | Toyota |
| Model | Meriva | Corona |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2530 mm |
