1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 160 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 64 kg more than 2006 Opel Astra. 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, 2006 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Astra |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| 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 | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 256 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 52 L |
