1997 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1973 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1100 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 Mercedes-Benz S (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | 1973 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | S | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
