1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Opel Astra
To start off, 2005 Opel Astra is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Astra weights approximately 501 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Opel Astra (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2005 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elan | Astra |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 52 L |
