1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 1971 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1982 Lotus Esprit is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1971 Opel Rekord. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Opel Rekord weights approximately 23 kg more than 1982 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1982 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Rekord. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1982 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lotus Esprit | 1971 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
