1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Opel Signum
To start off, 2002 Opel Signum is newer by 22 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2002 Opel Signum. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Opel Signum. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Opel Signum weights approximately 260 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Opel Signum, 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, 2002 Opel Signum (315 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Signum |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 60 L |
