2003 Opel Meriva vs. 1987 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Vauxhall Carlton (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 12 kg more than 1987 Vauxhall Carlton.
Because 1987 Vauxhall Carlton 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 1987 Vauxhall Carlton. 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, 1987 Vauxhall Carlton (240 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1987 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Meriva | 1987 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Opel | Vauxhall |
| Model | Meriva | Carlton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2740 mm |
