1978 Opel Kadett vs. 1987 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1987 Ford Tempo is newer by 9 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 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Tempo (89 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Tempo should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Tempo weights approximately 315 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, 1987 Ford Tempo, 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, 1987 Ford Tempo (170 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Tempo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett. 1987 Ford Tempo 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. 1987 Ford Tempo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Kadett | 1987 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Opel | Ford |
| Model | Kadett | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2540 mm |
