2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2004 Vauxhall Meriva
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Vauxhall Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Vauxhall Meriva would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2004 Vauxhall Meriva. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 Vauxhall Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Vauxhall Meriva weights approximately 325 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 Lotus Elise 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 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Vauxhall 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Vauxhall Meriva. (138 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Vauxhall Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2004 Vauxhall Meriva | |
| Make | Lotus | Vauxhall |
| Model | Elise | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2640 mm |
