1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1977 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1977 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1977 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 205 kg more than 1977 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, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Opel Kadett. (90 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1977 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 43 L |
