1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Opel Speedster
To start off, 1999 Opel Speedster is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Speedster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1999 Opel Speedster. (147 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Opel Speedster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 274 kg more than 1999 Opel Speedster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Opel Speedster. (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Opel Speedster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Speedster |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 147 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2340 mm |
