1973 Opel Kadett vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 40 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 499 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Kadett | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1289 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
