1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. Both 1998 Lotus Elise and 2006 Opel Astra are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 564 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, 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elise | Astra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2620 mm |
