1974 Mercury Cougar 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 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2000 Opel Meriva. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2000 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 219 kg more than 2000 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Mercury Cougar 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 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Opel Meriva. (138 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2000 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2700 mm |
