1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1974 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 1974 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 886 kg more than 1974 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 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Kadett. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1974 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1974 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 1974 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | E | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 343 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1676 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 43 L |
