2004 Opel Meriva vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2004 Opel Meriva is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Meriva (98 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Meriva weights approximately 565 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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, 2004 Opel Meriva (151 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Opel Meriva | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Meriva | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2410 mm |
