1956 Ford Prefect vs. 1999 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1999 Opel Meriva is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Meriva (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Meriva weights approximately 615 kg more than 1956 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Ford Prefect 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 1956 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Opel Meriva (166 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Prefect | 1999 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Prefect | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2670 mm |
