1968 Ford Zephyr vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Meriva (118 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1968 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 226 kg more than 1968 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford Zephyr 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 1968 Ford Zephyr. 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 (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Zephyr. (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Zephyr | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Zephyr | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 53 L |
