1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2007 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2007 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Astra weights approximately 736 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1963 Lotus Elan 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Opel Astra, 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, 2007 Opel Astra (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 2007 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elan | Astra |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 172 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 | 594 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 52 L |
