1970 Ford Taunus vs. 2000 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2000 Opel Meriva is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Opel Meriva (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1970 Ford Taunus. (81 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Opel Meriva weights approximately 353 kg more than 1970 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Ford Taunus 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 1970 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Opel Meriva (220 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Taunus. (126 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2000 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Taunus | 2000 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Taunus | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 53 L |
