1997 Ford Contour vs. 1975 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1975 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 422 kg more than 1975 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour, 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 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Kadett. (81 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Kadett. 1975 Opel Kadett has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Opel Kadett will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1975 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Contour | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
