1988 Opel Kadett vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1988 Opel Kadett is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Opel Kadett (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Opel Kadett weights approximately 197 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1988 Opel Kadett (195 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Opel Kadett | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1007 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
