1978 Opel Kadett vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (248 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 870 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 2009 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Opel Kadett. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett. 2009 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2009 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Kadett | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 70 L |
