2000 Caterham 21 vs. 2004 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2004 Opel Meriva is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2004 Opel Meriva. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Meriva weights approximately 840 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
Because 2000 Caterham 21 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 2000 Caterham 21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2000 Caterham 21 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 2004 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | 21 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 53 L |
