1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2002 Vauxhall Astra 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 (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2002 Vauxhall Astra. (187 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 196 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 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Vauxhall Astra. (255 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Lotus | Vauxhall |
| Model | Esprit | Astra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2620 mm |
