1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1999 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1999 Opel Meriva is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1999 Opel Meriva. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1999 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 375 kg more than 1999 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Thunderbird 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 1979 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Opel Meriva. (220 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Opel Meriva. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1999 Opel Meriva has manual transmission. 1999 Opel Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 1999 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Thunderbird | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 53 L |
