1962 Lotus Elite vs. 1974 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1974 Opel Kadett is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,215 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elite (83 HP) has 36 more horse power than 1974 Opel Kadett. (47 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Opel Kadett weights approximately 130 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite.
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, 1962 Lotus Elite (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 1974 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elite | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 47 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 43 L |
