2000 Lotus Exige vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (101 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 594 kg more than 2000 Lotus Exige.
Because 2000 Lotus Exige 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 Lotus Exige. 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, 2000 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2000 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Lotus Exige | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Exige | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 786 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 53 L |
