1959 Jaguar XK vs. 1980 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1980 Opel Kadett is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 3,781 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Jaguar XK (265 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1980 Opel Kadett. (91 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar XK weights approximately 523 kg more than 1980 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Jaguar XK 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 1959 Jaguar XK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1959 Jaguar XK (353 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Kadett. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 1980 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Jaguar | Opel |
| Model | XK | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3781 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
