2007 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (174 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 460 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. 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, 2003 Opel Astra (251 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 2003 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elise | Astra |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 52 L |
