2003 Opel Meriva vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 5,562 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Plymouth Valiant should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 56 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant.
Because 1972 Plymouth Valiant 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 1972 Plymouth Valiant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (401 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Meriva | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Opel | Plymouth |
| Model | Meriva | Valiant |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 5562 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 102.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2750 mm |
