1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Opel Astra
To start off, 2004 Opel Astra is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2004 Opel Astra. (103 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Astra weights approximately 239 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Opel Astra (231 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Astra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2840 mm |
