1981 Fiat 127 vs. 1979 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1981 Fiat 127 is newer by 2 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), 1981 Fiat 127 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat 127 (74 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1979 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat 127 should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Opel Kadett weights approximately 15 kg more than 1981 Fiat 127.
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, 1981 Fiat 127, 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 Fiat 127 (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat 127 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 127 | 1979 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 127 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1300 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 56 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 775 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 43 L |
