1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 86 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (127 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Astra |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2620 mm |
