1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2001 Opel Astra
To start off, 2001 Opel Astra is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2001 Opel Astra. (152 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Astra weights approximately 323 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Opel Astra. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 2001 Opel Astra | |
Make | Lotus | Opel |
Model | Esprit | Astra |
Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2171 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 159 HP | 152 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 203 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94.6 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1390 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4280 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2620 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 53 L |