1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Vauxhall Meriva
To start off, 2003 Vauxhall Meriva is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Vauxhall Meriva weights approximately 100 kg more than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1991 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 1991 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva. (138 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Vauxhall Meriva | |
| Make | Lotus | Vauxhall |
| Model | Esprit | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2640 mm |
