1973 Ford Cortina vs. 1983 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1983 Opel Kadett is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Opel Kadett (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Opel Kadett weights approximately 45 kg more than 1973 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1983 Opel Kadett (148 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 1983 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
