1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1975 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1975 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 640 kg more than 1975 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 280 (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1975 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 280 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 72.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 43 L |
