1978 Opel Kadett vs. 2013 Kia Optima
To start off, 2013 Kia Optima is newer by 35 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Kia Optima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Kia Optima weights approximately 718 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, 2013 Kia Optima, 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, 2013 Kia Optima (365 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2013 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett. 2013 Kia Optima 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. 2013 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Kadett | 2013 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Opel | Kia |
| Model | Kadett | Optima |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1194 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1538 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4845 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2795 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 70 L |
