1997 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1973 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, 1997 BMW M3 (236 Nm) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1973 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
