1979 Opel Kadett vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 29 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1979 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 315 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (126 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Kadett | 2008 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Polo |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 45 L |
