1980 Ford Escort vs. 2000 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2000 Opel Meriva is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Opel Meriva (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Opel Meriva weights approximately 483 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Opel Meriva (250 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2000 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| 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 | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 44 L |
