2009 Mercedes-Benz B vs. 1969 Opel Olympia
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B (94 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1969 Opel Olympia. (58 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B should accelerate faster than 1969 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz B weights approximately 520 kg more than 1969 Opel Olympia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Opel Olympia 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 1969 Opel Olympia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B, 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Opel Olympia. (83 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Opel Olympia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz B | 1969 Opel Olympia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | B | Olympia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1078 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.2 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
