1985 Ford Laser vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1985 Ford Laser 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Laser (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Laser weights approximately 2 kg more than 1978 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Laser, 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 Laser (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Laser | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Laser | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 822 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
