1986 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1986 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 8 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 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 558 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.
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, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Thunderbird | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Thunderbird | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 43 L |
