1968 Opel Kadett vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,948 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1968 Opel Kadett. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo S40 weights approximately 463 kg more than 1968 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40, 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Kadett. (76 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Opel Kadett | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Kadett | S40 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 76 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 755 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2560 mm |
