1975 Opel Kadett vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1975 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 365 kg more than 1975 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Kadett. (81 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Kadett. 1975 Opel Kadett has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Opel Kadett will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Opel Kadett | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
