1959 Ford Prefect vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Meriva (101 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 615 kg more than 1959 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Opel Meriva (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Prefect | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Prefect | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 110 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| 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 | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 53 L |
