2003 Lotus Elise vs. 1988 Opel Corsa
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Opel Corsa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Opel Corsa would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Elise (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1988 Opel Corsa. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 Opel Corsa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Opel Corsa weights approximately 70 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Opel Corsa, 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, 2003 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Opel Corsa. (134 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Opel Corsa.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Elise | 1988 Opel Corsa | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elise | Corsa |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 121 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2350 mm |
