1985 Ford Escort vs. 1973 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1985 Ford Escort is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Escort weights approximately 290 kg more than 1973 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort, 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, 1985 Ford Escort (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 1973 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
