2009 Lotus Exige vs. 1985 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1985 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1985 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Opel Kadett weights approximately 74 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Opel Kadett. (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Opel Kadett. 1985 Opel Kadett has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Opel Kadett will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 1985 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Exige | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
