1968 Opel Olympia vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1968 Opel Olympia. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lotus Exige weights approximately 129 kg more than 1968 Opel Olympia. 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Olympia. (86 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Olympia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Opel Olympia | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Opel | Lotus |
| Model | Olympia | Exige |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 44 L |
