1978 Opel Kadett vs. 2011 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2011 Dodge Nitro is newer by 33 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 1013 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Dodge Nitro (318 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett. 2011 Dodge Nitro 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. 2011 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Kadett | 2011 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Opel | Dodge |
| Model | Kadett | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 318 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1803 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4544 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1791 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2764 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 74 L |
