1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1998 Opel Meriva is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1998 Opel Meriva. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 205 kg more than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1990 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 1990 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 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 | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2610 mm |
