1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1985 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1985 Opel Kadett is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Opel Kadett (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 186 kg more than 1985 Opel Kadett.
Because 1972 Ford Cortina 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 1972 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Opel Kadett, 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, 1985 Opel Kadett (101 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1985 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 858 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 70 L |
