1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 1974 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1974 Opel Rekord. (66 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 110 kg more than 1974 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 1974 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2680 mm |
