2003 Opel Meriva vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Santana 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 26 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 390 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 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, 2003 Opel Meriva (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Meriva | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Meriva | Santana |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 160 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 | 1380 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
