1965 Opel Kadett vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1965 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1965 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 526 kg more than 1965 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Opel Kadett | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Golf |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1226 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
