1978 Opel Kadett vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 21 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 416 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, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 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. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Opel Kadett | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
Model | Kadett | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 51 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 80 Nm | 148 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 77.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1206 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 45 L |