1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1968 Opel Commodore
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1968 Opel Commodore. (150 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 9 kg more than 1968 Opel Commodore. 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Commodore. (198 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1968 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2670 mm |
