1968 Ford Escort vs. 1971 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1971 Opel Kadett is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,117 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (54 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1971 Opel Kadett. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford Escort weights approximately 55 kg more than 1971 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort, 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, 1968 Ford Escort (82 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Kadett. (74 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1971 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 1077 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2430 mm |
