1977 Opel Kadett vs. 1997 Rover 400
To start off, 1997 Rover 400 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Rover 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Rover 400 (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1977 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Rover 400 should accelerate faster than 1977 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Rover 400 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1977 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Rover 400, 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, 1997 Rover 400 (182 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Opel Kadett. (90 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1997 Rover 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Opel Kadett | 1997 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Opel | Rover |
| Model | Kadett | 400 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2630 mm |
