1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1982 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 374 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 1995 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 1995 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (94 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1339 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 70 L |
