1973 Opel Kadett vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 38 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 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 810 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Kadett | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Opel | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Kadett | 159 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 795 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 70 L |
