1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera 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 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 880 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 Buick Riviera, 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 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (90 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Riviera | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 43 L |
