1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Opel Signum
To start off, 2003 Opel Signum is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Signum (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Signum weights approximately 603 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Opel Signum (371 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit. 2003 Opel Signum has automatic transmission and 1984 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1984 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Signum will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Signum |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 60 L |
