1953 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1979 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1979 Opel Kadett is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,859 cc (6 cylinders), 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air (115 HP @ 3700 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1979 Opel Kadett. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 513 kg more than 1979 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air 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 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Kadett. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Kadett. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 1979 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1979 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1979 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Bel Air | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3859 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1483 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 42 L |
