2003 Vauxhall Meriva vs. 1974 Ford Capri
To start off, 2003 Vauxhall Meriva is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Ford Capri (97 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Vauxhall Meriva weights approximately 288 kg more than 1974 Ford Capri.
Because 1974 Ford Capri 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 1974 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Vauxhall 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, 2003 Vauxhall Meriva (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Capri. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Vauxhall Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Capri. 1974 Ford Capri has automatic transmission and 2003 Vauxhall Meriva has manual transmission. 2003 Vauxhall Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Ford Capri will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Vauxhall Meriva | 1974 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Ford |
| Model | Meriva | Capri |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2570 mm |
