1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 2000 Opel Speedster
To start off, 2000 Opel Speedster is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Opel Speedster (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Opel Speedster should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 60 kg more than 2000 Opel Speedster.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2000 Opel Speedster (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2000 Opel Speedster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 2000 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Speedster |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1008 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 61 L |
