1973 Opel Kadett vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 1998 Volvo S80 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 2,461 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo S80 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 864 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 Volvo S80, 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 Volvo S80 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Kadett | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Kadett | S80 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 80 L |
