1978 Opel Kadett vs. 2006 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 28 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 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 344 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, 2006 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (220 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Kadett | 2006 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 992 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 45 L |
