1979 Fiat 131 vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1979 Fiat 131 is newer by 1 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Fiat 131 (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 200 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, 1979 Fiat 131 (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 131 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
