1985 Opel Kadett vs. 1997 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1997 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Suzuki Samurai (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1985 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1985 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Opel Kadett weights approximately 60 kg more than 1997 Suzuki Samurai.
Because 1997 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Opel Kadett. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Suzuki Samurai (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Opel Kadett. (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Opel Kadett. 1985 Opel Kadett has automatic transmission and 1997 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1997 Suzuki Samurai will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Opel Kadett will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Opel Kadett | 1997 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Opel | Suzuki |
| Model | Kadett | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2490 mm |
