1978 Opel Kadett vs. 1993 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1993 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 15 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 390 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, 1993 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, 1993 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (90 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1993 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 | 1993 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
