1959 Cadillac 62 vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1978 Opel Kadett is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Cadillac 62. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Cadillac 62 would be higher. At 6,381 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Cadillac 62 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Cadillac 62 (325 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Cadillac 62 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Cadillac 62 weights approximately 1428 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, 1959 Cadillac 62 (583 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 503 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1959 Cadillac 62 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett. 1959 Cadillac 62 has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1959 Cadillac 62 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Cadillac 62 | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Cadillac | Opel |
| Model | 62 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6381 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 583 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.4 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2218 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 43 L |
