1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 1987 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1987 Opel Kadett is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1987 Opel Kadett. (129 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1987 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 726 kg more than 1987 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Dodge Mirada 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 1979 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Opel Kadett, 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, 1979 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Opel Kadett. (180 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 1987 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Dodge | Opel |
| Model | Mirada | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 974 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2530 mm |
