1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1971 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1971 Opel Kadett. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 630 kg more than 1971 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Kadett. (74 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 1971 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 240 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 1077 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2430 mm |
