1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1968 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (111 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1968 Opel Kadett. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 822 kg more than 1968 Opel Kadett. 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Kadett. (76 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Kadett. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1968 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1968 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1968 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Thunderbird | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 1078 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 76 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
