1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1973 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 22 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 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 1262 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.
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, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1973 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SLK | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2295 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2052 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 43 L |
