1971 Opel Kadett vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 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 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1971 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 590 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Kadett. (88 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Kadett | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
