1973 Opel Kadett vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 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 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 559 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett. 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Kadett | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 795 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
