1963 Opel Kadett vs. 1965 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1965 Ford Zodiac is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Ford Zodiac (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1963 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1963 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 568 kg more than 1963 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, 1965 Ford Zodiac (190 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Opel Kadett. (70 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1965 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Opel Kadett. 1965 Ford Zodiac has automatic transmission and 1963 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1963 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Ford Zodiac will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Opel Kadett | 1965 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Opel | Ford |
| Model | Kadett | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 702 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2780 mm |
