1979 Opel Kadett vs. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1979 Opel Kadett is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Opel Kadett (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 20 kg more than 1979 Opel Kadett.
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, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Kadett. (81 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Kadett | 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2430 mm |
