1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1966 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1966 Opel Rekord. (88 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1966 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 70 kg more than 1966 Opel Rekord. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Opel Rekord. (146 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1966 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 60 L |
