1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2000 Opel Astra
To start off, 2000 Opel Astra is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2000 Opel Astra. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2000 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Opel Astra weights approximately 157 kg more than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Because 1985 Lotus Excel 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 1985 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1985 Lotus Excel (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Opel Astra. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Opel Astra. 2000 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 1985 Lotus Excel has manual transmission. 1985 Lotus Excel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2000 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Excel | Astra |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 232 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 | 10.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1328 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 53 L |
