1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1962 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1962 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1962 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1962 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Opel Kadett. (70 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1962 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 156 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 70 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2330 mm |
