2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 1 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (101 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 840 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 2004 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 2004 Caterham 7. 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | 7 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2740 mm |
