2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Opel Meriva would be higher. At 3,932 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (101 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 372 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 2004 Ford Thunderbird 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 2004 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (369 Nm) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (150 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Thunderbird | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3932 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 53 L |
