1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1978 Opel Kadett is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Kadett (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Kadett weights approximately 322 kg more than 1957 Abarth 500. 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, 1978 Opel Kadett (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 43 L |
