2003 Lotus Esprit vs. 1973 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2003 Lotus Esprit is newer by 30 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 515 kg more than 1973 Opel Kadett. 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, 2003 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Esprit | 1973 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2410 mm |
