1973 Opel Kadett vs. 1972 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1973 Opel Kadett is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 1,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Opel Kadett (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Opel Kadett weights approximately 34 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen 1302. 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 Volkswagen 1302 (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1972 Volkswagen 1302 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Kadett | 1972 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
