1971 Mercury Monterey vs. 1985 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1985 Opel Kadett is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 5,768 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercury Monterey (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1985 Opel Kadett. (115 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1985 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 1000 kg more than 1985 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Mercury Monterey 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 Mercury Monterey. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Opel Kadett, 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, 1971 Mercury Monterey (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Opel Kadett. (150 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Opel Kadett. 1971 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 1985 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1985 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Monterey | 1985 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Monterey | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5768 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2530 mm |
