2003 Opel Meriva vs. 1996 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,707 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Falcon (228 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Falcon weights approximately 200 kg more than 2003 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Ford Falcon 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 1996 Ford Falcon. 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, 1996 Ford Falcon (398 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva. 1996 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 2003 Opel Meriva has manual transmission. 2003 Opel Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Meriva | 1996 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Opel | Ford |
| Model | Meriva | Falcon |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3707 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 398 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2800 mm |
