2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 1980 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 293 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 330 kg more than 1980 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 1980 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3504 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2610 mm |
