1954 BMW 502 vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1978 Opel Kadett is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,578 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 BMW 502 (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 BMW 502 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 BMW 502 weights approximately 590 kg more than 1978 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1954 BMW 502 (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1954 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 BMW 502 | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 502 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2578 cc | 1194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
