1973 Opel Kadett vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 31 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 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 385 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, 2004 Ford Focus, 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, 2004 Ford Focus (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett. 2004 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1973 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1973 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Kadett | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Opel | Ford |
| Model | Kadett | Focus |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
