1985 Opel Kadett vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1985 Opel Kadett is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 18 would be higher. At 1,645 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Renault 18 (78 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1985 Opel Kadett. (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1985 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 18 weights approximately 112 kg more than 1985 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1978 Renault 18 (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Opel Kadett. (101 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Opel Kadett | 1978 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Kadett | 18 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1645 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 858 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
