1978 Opel Kadett vs. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 5 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 1,713 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit (64 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 25 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, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (90 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Opel Kadett | 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
Model | Kadett | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1713 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 64 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 90 Nm | 116 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 845 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |