1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1973 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 277 kg more than 1973 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1973 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 43 L |
