1976 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1999 Opel Meriva is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Meriva (101 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1976 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Meriva weights approximately 469 kg more than 1976 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Escort 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 Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Opel Meriva (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Escort | 1999 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 876 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2450 mm |
