1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1980 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Vauxhall Astra would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 141 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 Lotus Elise 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Vauxhall 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. (102 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1980 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Lotus | Vauxhall |
| Model | Elise | Astra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
