1971 Opel Kadett vs. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 25 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 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1971 Opel Kadett. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 451 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, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 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 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Kadett. (74 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Kadett | 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Kadett | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1077 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 755 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2650 mm |
