2003 Lotus Exige vs. 1977 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1977 Opel Kadett. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1977 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Opel Kadett weights approximately 50 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
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 Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Opel Kadett. (113 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Opel Kadett. 1977 Opel Kadett has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Opel Kadett will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 1977 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Exige | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 43 L |
