1978 Opel Kadett vs. 1982 Renault 9
To start off, 1982 Renault 9 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Renault 9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Renault 9 (72 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Renault 9 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Renault 9 weights approximately 45 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, 1982 Renault 9, 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, 1982 Renault 9 (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1982 Renault 9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Kadett | 1982 Renault 9 | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Kadett | 9 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 992 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 76.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2490 mm |
