1996 Ford Escort vs. 1971 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (131 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1971 Opel Kadett. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 397 kg more than 1971 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort, 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 Ford Escort (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Kadett. (74 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1971 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1077 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2430 mm |
