1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1973 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 600 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 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1973 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1973 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1973 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 300 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
