1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1980 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1980 Opel Kadett is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Opel Kadett (91 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 164 kg more than 1980 Opel Kadett.
Because 1976 Ford Cortina 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 1976 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Opel Kadett, 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, 1980 Opel Kadett (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1980 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1980 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2520 mm |
