1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1987 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1987 Opel Kadett is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1987 Opel Kadett. (81 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1987 Opel Kadett.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Opel Kadett, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Opel Kadett. (132 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1987 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
