2005 Lotus Exige vs. 2006 Opel Astra

To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 300 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.

Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra. 2006 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2005 Lotus Exige 2006 Opel Astra
Make Lotus Opel
Model Exige Astra
Year Released 2005 2006
Body Type Coupe Hatchback
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 1796 cc 1364 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 243 HP 89 HP
Engine RPM 7800 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 236 Nm 125 Nm
Torque RPM 7000 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 82 mm 73.4 mm
Engine Stroke Size 85 mm 80.6 mm
Top Speed 249 km/hour 180 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 930 kg 1230 kg
Vehicle Length 3800 mm 4300 mm
Vehicle Width 1730 mm 1760 mm
Vehicle Height 1160 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase Size 2310 mm 2620 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 40 L 52 L