1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1982 Opel Manta
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Opel Manta would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1982 Opel Manta. (75 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Manta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 180 kg more than 1982 Opel Manta. 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Manta. (98 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Manta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1982 Opel Manta | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Manta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2640 mm |
