1971 Opel Kadett vs. 2009 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Smart ForTwo is newer by 38 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 1,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Smart ForTwo (83 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1971 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Kadett.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Smart ForTwo (121 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Kadett. (88 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Kadett | 2009 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Opel | Smart |
| Model | Kadett | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 81.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 2700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 1870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 33 L |
