1987 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1973 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1987 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Thunderbird (193 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 116 kg more than 1973 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, 1987 Ford Thunderbird (91 Nm) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm). This means 1987 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Thunderbird | 1973 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Thunderbird | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 936 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 43 L |
