1981 Dodge Mirada vs. 1982 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1982 Opel Kadett is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1982 Opel Kadett. (53 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 720 kg more than 1982 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Dodge Mirada 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 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1981 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Kadett. (94 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Dodge Mirada | 1982 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Dodge | Opel |
| Model | Mirada | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2520 mm |
