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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (86 HP @ 5400 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 880 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 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (138 Nm @ 3000 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 | 1997 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2640 mm |
