1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 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 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (141 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 810 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.
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, 1996 BMW Z3 (180 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (90 Nm). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | Z3 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 43 L |
