1980 Opel Kadett vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1981 Volvo 343 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Opel Kadett (91 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 343 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1980 Opel Kadett.
Because 1981 Volvo 343 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 1981 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Opel Kadett, 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 Opel Kadett (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343. 1981 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1980 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1980 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Opel Kadett | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Kadett | 343 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
