1971 Opel Kadett vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 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 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Opel Kadett (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 74 kg more than 1971 Opel Kadett.
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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Kadett. (88 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Kadett | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 834 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
