2008 Lotus Elise vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,408 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Opel Ascona (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Opel Ascona weights approximately 201 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise. 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, 1979 Opel Ascona (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elise | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.3 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
