2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2005 Opel Meriva is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2005 Opel Meriva. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Meriva weights approximately 865 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2003 Caterham 7 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 2003 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2005 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | 7 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 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 | 500 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2840 mm |
