1973 Opel Kadett vs. 1971 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1973 Opel Kadett is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 1,604 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Volkswagen K 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Volkswagen K 70 (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Volkswagen K 70 should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1973 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1971 Volkswagen K 70 (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1971 Volkswagen K 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Kadett | 1971 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 76 mm |
| 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 | 795 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 45 L |
