1979 Opel Kadett vs. 1999 Ford Laser
To start off, 1999 Ford Laser is newer by 20 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Laser (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1979 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Laser weights approximately 325 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, 1999 Ford Laser, 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, 1999 Ford Laser (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Kadett. 1999 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 1979 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1979 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Kadett | 1999 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Opel | Ford |
| Model | Kadett | Laser |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
