1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 1968 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1985 Lotus Esprit is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1968 Opel Rekord. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 43 kg more than 1968 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Rekord. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 1968 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
