1975 Opel Kadett vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 37 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 363 more horse power than 1975 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 835 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Kadett. (81 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Kadett. 1975 Opel Kadett has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW M3 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 | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Kadett | M3 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 63 L |
