1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 1973 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 16 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass (138 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 700 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.
Because 1973 Opel Kadett is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1973 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1973 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Opel |
| Model | Cutlass | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2410 mm |
