1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 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 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 (132 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 400 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 Mercedes-Benz 190 (198 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (90 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 190 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 43 L |
