1971 Opel Kadett vs. 1953 Studebaker Commander
To start off, 1971 Opel Kadett is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Studebaker Commander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Studebaker Commander would be higher. At 3,809 cc (8 cylinders), 1953 Studebaker Commander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Studebaker Commander (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1971 Opel Kadett. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1953 Studebaker Commander should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Studebaker Commander weights approximately 937 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.
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, 1953 Studebaker Commander (258 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Kadett. (74 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1953 Studebaker Commander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Kadett. 1953 Studebaker Commander has automatic transmission and 1971 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1971 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1953 Studebaker Commander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Kadett | 1953 Studebaker Commander | |
| Make | Opel | Studebaker |
| Model | Kadett | Commander |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1953 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1077 cc | 3809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 755 kg | 1692 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 3070 mm |
