1981 Ford Taunus vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1998 Opel Meriva is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,685 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Meriva (99 HP) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Ford Taunus. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 373 kg more than 1981 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Opel Meriva (185 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Taunus | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
Make | Ford | Opel |
Model | Taunus | Meriva |
Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1685 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 57 HP | 99 HP |
Torque | 92 Nm | 185 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1393 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4050 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2740 mm |