1974 Ford Capri vs. 2000 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2000 Opel Meriva is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Opel Meriva (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1974 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Opel Meriva weights approximately 383 kg more than 1974 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Ford Capri 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 1974 Ford Capri. 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 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Capri. (87 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Capri | 2000 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Capri | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2640 mm |
