2008 Lotus Elise vs. 1988 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Opel Kadett (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Opel Kadett weights approximately 222 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Opel Kadett, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 Opel Kadett (195 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 1988 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elise | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1007 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
