2005 Lotus Exige vs. 2001 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Opel Meriva would be higher. Both 2005 Lotus Exige and 2001 Opel Meriva are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2001 Opel Meriva. (120 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2001 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Meriva weights approximately 450 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Opel Meriva. (166 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 2001 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Exige | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 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 | 930 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 53 L |
