1964 Opel Kadett vs. 1986 Renault 21
To start off, 1986 Renault 21 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault 21 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1964 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1964 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Renault 21 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1964 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 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 1964 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21, 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, 1986 Renault 21 (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Opel Kadett. (70 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Opel Kadett | 1986 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Kadett | 21 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 991 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2670 mm |
