1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 1980 Opel Commodore
To start off, 1982 Lotus Esprit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1980 Opel Commodore. (115 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Opel Commodore weights approximately 133 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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Commodore. (179 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1982 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lotus Esprit | 1980 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 65 L |
