1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1973 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Opel Kadett weights approximately 108 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1973 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elise | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 822 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |
