1976 Ford Taunus 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 Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus 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 42 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Meriva weights approximately 225 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Taunus 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 Taunus. 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 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1999 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Taunus | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 53 L |
