1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 284 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Cortina. 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 (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 52 L |
