1974 Opel Kadett vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 27 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 1,746 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1974 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1974 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Opel Kadett | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Opel | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Kadett | 146 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 991 cc | 1746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 61 L |
