2007 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 608 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. 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, 2003 Opel Meriva (230 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elise | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 13.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 52 L |
