2008 Lotus Exige vs. 2005 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2008 Lotus Exige is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Opel Meriva would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2005 Opel Meriva. (86 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Meriva weights approximately 434 kg more than 2008 Lotus Exige.
Because 2008 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 2008 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2008 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Meriva. (138 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Exige | 2005 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Exige | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 14.8 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 | 916 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 53 L |
