1972 Opel Kadett vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (98 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1972 Opel Kadett. (48 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1972 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 475 kg more than 1972 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Opel Kadett | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
