1973 Opel Kadett vs. 1997 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Microbus is newer by 24 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 2,551 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Microbus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Microbus (134 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Microbus should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Microbus weights approximately 865 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, 1997 Volkswagen Microbus (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Microbus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Kadett | 1997 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Microbus |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 2551 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 795 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2470 mm |
