1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Kadett weights approximately 280 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
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, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | Super 7 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 43 L |
