1998 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1983 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (367 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1983 Opel Kadett. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1983 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 965 kg more than 1983 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Opel Kadett, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (530 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 382 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Opel Kadett. (148 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1983 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | CL | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5786 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 367 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 40 L |
