1978 Opel Kadett vs. 1996 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 1996 Skoda Octavia is newer by 18 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 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Skoda Octavia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Skoda Octavia (67 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 435 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, 1996 Skoda Octavia, 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, 1996 Skoda Octavia (133 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Skoda Octavia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Kadett | 1996 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Opel | Skoda |
| Model | Kadett | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
