1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1975 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1975 Opel Kadett is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1975 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 790 kg more than 1975 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Kadett. (81 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Kadett. 1975 Opel Kadett has automatic transmission and 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Opel Kadett will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1975 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 280 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2744 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 43 L |
