2004 Chevrolet Astro vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Astro is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,294 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Astro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Astro (190 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Astro should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 888 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2004 Chevrolet Astro (339 Nm) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 2004 Chevrolet Astro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Astro | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Astro | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4294 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 31 L |
