1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1972 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 (109 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1972 Opel Kadett. (48 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1972 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 650 kg more than 1972 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1972 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 300 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1078 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
