2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1988 Opel Corsa
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 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), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1988 Opel Corsa. (45 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 Opel Corsa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Elise weights approximately 80 kg more than 1988 Opel Corsa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Opel Corsa. (68 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Opel Corsa.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1988 Opel Corsa | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elise | Corsa |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 770 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
