1973 Opel Kadett vs. 2011 Mazda 2
To start off, 2011 Mazda 2 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 1,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 2 (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 2 weights approximately 256 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 Mazda 2, 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 Mazda 2 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett. 2011 Mazda 2 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. 2011 Mazda 2 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Kadett | 2011 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Opel | Mazda |
| Model | Kadett | 2 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1695 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1475 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2489 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 43 L |
