1980 Ford Escort vs. 1986 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1986 Opel Kadett is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Opel Kadett (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Opel Kadett weights approximately 170 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1986 Opel Kadett (178 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1986 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1390 mm |
