1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2008 Opel Meriva is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2008 Opel Meriva. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Meriva weights approximately 200 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Meriva. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2640 mm |
