1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2005 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2005 Opel Meriva is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Meriva (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Meriva weights approximately 331 kg more than 1972 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Cortina 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 1972 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Opel Meriva (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2005 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 52 L |
