1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette vs. 1979 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette (119 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1979 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette weights approximately 830 kg more than 1979 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 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 Silhouette (237 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Kadett. (81 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Kadett. 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette has automatic transmission and 1979 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1979 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette | 1979 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Opel |
| Model | Silhouette | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2410 mm |
