2004 Opel Meriva vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2004 Opel Meriva is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Carina 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 15 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Meriva weights approximately 420 kg more than 1981 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Carina 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 Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Opel Meriva (151 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Opel Meriva | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Opel | Toyota |
| Model | Meriva | Carina |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 85.1 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 |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 61 L |
