1962 Opel Kadett vs. 1979 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Opel Kadett (47 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 120 kg more than 1962 Opel Kadett.
Because 1962 Opel Kadett 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 1962 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1979 Volkswagen Beetle (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Opel Kadett. (70 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Opel Kadett | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2410 mm |
