1972 BMW 3 vs. 1969 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1972 BMW 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1969 Opel Kadett. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1969 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 619 kg more than 1969 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Opel Kadett. (74 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1969 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 3 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1078 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2430 mm |
