1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1978 Opel Kadett is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Kadett (47 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin A 40 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1978 Opel Kadett.
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, 1949 Austin A 40 (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1949 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 40 | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 43 L |
