1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 1987 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1987 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1987 Vauxhall Astra. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1987 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 95 kg more than 1987 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lotus Eclat 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 1974 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Vauxhall 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, 1974 Lotus Eclat (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Vauxhall Astra. (180 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 1987 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Lotus | Vauxhall |
| Model | Eclat | Astra |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2530 mm |
