1978 Opel Kadett vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1978 Opel Kadett is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 130 kg more than 1978 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Opel Kadett | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
Model | Kadett | Passat |
Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 51 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 80 Nm | 115 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 920 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |