1985 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1985 Ford Escort is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,117 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (49 HP) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (47 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Kadett weights approximately 30 kg more than 1985 Ford Escort.
Because 1978 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 1978 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 (84 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 47 HP |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 43 L |
