1973 Opel Kadett vs. 1974 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1974 Opel Rekord is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Opel Rekord (66 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Opel Rekord weights approximately 270 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.
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, 1974 Opel Rekord (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1974 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Kadett | 1974 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Kadett | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 795 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2680 mm |
