1993 Mercury Capri vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1993 Mercury Capri is newer by 15 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Mercury Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercury Capri (100 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercury Capri should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercury Capri weights approximately 296 kg more than 1978 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Mercury Capri, 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, 1993 Mercury Capri (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1993 Mercury Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mercury Capri | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Capri | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1086 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
