1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1982 Opel Ascona. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 337 kg more than 1982 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona, 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona. 1982 Opel Ascona has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Opel Ascona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 256 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 992 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2580 mm |
