1973 Opel Kadett vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 25 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 1,899 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 440 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, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Kadett | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1899 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
