1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Opel Astra
To start off, 2009 Opel Astra is newer by 28 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 55 more horse power than 2009 Opel Astra. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Opel Astra weights approximately 163 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, 2009 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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Opel Astra. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Astra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 52 L |
