1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1968 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1968 Opel Kadett. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 855 kg more than 1968 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 S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Kadett. (74 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 1968 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | S | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1076 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
