1984 Opel Kadett vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1984 Opel Kadett is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Opel Kadett (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Opel Kadett weights approximately 95 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1984 Opel Kadett (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1984 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Opel Kadett | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Opel | Vauxhall |
| Model | Kadett | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2400 mm |
