1979 Opel Kadett vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 20 kg more than 1979 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Kadett | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2410 mm |
