1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 1991 Opel Astra
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Opel Astra 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 (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1991 Opel Astra. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1991 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 299 kg more than 1991 Opel Astra. 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, 1991 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Opel Astra. (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 1991 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Astra |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 266 km/hour | 190 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 | 1315 kg | 1016 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 75 L |
