1978 Lancia Gamma vs. 1972 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1978 Lancia Gamma is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Gamma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Gamma (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1972 Opel Kadett. (48 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Gamma should accelerate faster than 1972 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Gamma weights approximately 566 kg more than 1972 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Gamma, 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, 1978 Lancia Gamma (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 Lancia Gamma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Gamma | 1972 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Lancia | Opel |
| Model | Gamma | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1078 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 43 L |
