1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1983 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1983 Opel Rekord. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Opel Rekord weights approximately 536 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 @ 5600 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Opel Rekord. (186 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1983 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elise | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2680 mm |
