1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1979 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 324 more horse power than 1979 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1260 kg more than 1979 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 SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 500 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Kadett. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1979 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1979 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1979 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SL | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 43 L |
