1997 Ford Ranger vs. 2001 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2001 Opel Meriva is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Ranger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Ranger would be higher. At 2,507 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Meriva (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Ranger weights approximately 5 kg more than 2001 Opel Meriva.
Because 1997 Ford Ranger 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 1997 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Opel Meriva (240 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ranger. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ranger | 2001 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Ranger | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2507 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2740 mm |
