2003 Opel Meriva vs. 2010 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2010 Lotus Exige is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Opel Meriva would be higher. At 1,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lotus Exige (425 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 351 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Exige weights approximately 561 kg more than 2003 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 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, 2010 Lotus Exige (489 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Meriva | 2010 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Opel | Lotus |
| Model | Meriva | Exige |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 425 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1438 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 3063 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 90 L |
