1974 Opel Kadett vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio is newer by 38 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Rio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1974 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Rio weights approximately 336 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, 2012 Kia Rio, 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, 2012 Kia Rio (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Rio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Kadett. 2012 Kia Rio has automatic transmission and 1974 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1974 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Opel Kadett | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Opel | Kia |
| Model | Kadett | Rio |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 991 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1126 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4366 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 43 L |
