1974 Opel Kadett vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,093 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Golf (49 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1974 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Opel Kadett weights approximately 40 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1974 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 1974 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Volkswagen Golf (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Opel Kadett | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Golf |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 991 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 45 L |
