1999 Lotus Elise vs. 1988 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Opel Vectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Opel Vectra would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Elise (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1988 Opel Vectra. (81 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Opel Vectra weights approximately 317 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Opel Vectra, 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, 1999 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Opel Vectra. (125 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1999 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 1988 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elise | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
