1996 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 18 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 1,351 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 (90 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 320 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, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145, 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, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 (115 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (90 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 145 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2400 mm |
