1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1974 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1974 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 416 kg more than 1974 Opel Kadett. 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1974 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 43 L |
