1976 Opel Kadett vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,194 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForTwo (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1976 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1976 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 25 kg more than 1976 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, 2006 Smart ForTwo (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Opel Kadett | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Opel | Smart |
| Model | Kadett | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1194 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 33 L |
