1979 Opel Kadett vs. 2011 Honda Civic
To start off, 2011 Honda Civic is newer by 32 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 1,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Honda Civic (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Honda Civic weights approximately 485 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, 2011 Honda Civic, 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, 2011 Honda Civic (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Kadett. (81 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Kadett | 2011 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Opel | Honda |
| Model | Kadett | Civic |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4503 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1753 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 47 L |
