1973 Opel Kadett vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 39 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 873 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett. 2012 BMW 520 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. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Kadett | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Kadett | 520 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 822 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 70 L |
