2003 Opel Astra vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Opel Astra would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 356 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Because 2011 Lotus Exige 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 2011 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2011 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra. 2003 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 2011 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2011 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Astra | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Opel | Lotus |
| Model | Astra | Exige |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.5 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 44 L |
