1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2008 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2008 Opel Meriva is newer by 32 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Meriva weights approximately 325 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, 2008 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, 2008 Opel Meriva (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 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 | 53 L |
