1971 Opel Kadett vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (63 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1971 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 275 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 Volkswagen Polo, 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 Volkswagen Polo (124 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Kadett. (88 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Kadett | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Polo |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2410 mm |
