1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1968 Opel Diplomat
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Diplomat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Diplomat would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Opel Diplomat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Opel Diplomat (227 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Opel Diplomat should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Opel Diplomat weights approximately 570 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1968 Opel Diplomat (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1968 Opel Diplomat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 1968 Opel Diplomat has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Opel Diplomat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 1968 Opel Diplomat | |
Make | Lotus | Opel |
Model | Esprit | Diplomat |
Year Released | 1981 | 1968 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5354 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 227 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 427 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1690 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1910 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2850 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |