1971 Opel Kadett vs. 1980 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1980 Plymouth Horizon is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,714 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Plymouth Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Plymouth Horizon (62 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1971 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Plymouth Horizon should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Plymouth Horizon weights approximately 240 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, 1980 Plymouth Horizon, 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, 1980 Plymouth Horizon (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Kadett. (88 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1980 Plymouth Horizon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Kadett | 1980 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Opel | Plymouth |
| Model | Kadett | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1714 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2530 mm |
