2008 Opel Meriva vs. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 2008 Opel Meriva is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Meriva weights approximately 220 kg more than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton.
Because 1983 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 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Opel Meriva (241 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. (156 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Opel Meriva | 1983 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Opel | Vauxhall |
| Model | Meriva | Carlton |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 101 HP |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2680 mm |
