1999 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1999 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Fiat Barchetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Fiat Barchetta weights approximately 240 kg more than 1978 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Fiat Barchetta, 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, 1999 Fiat Barchetta (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Fiat Barchetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Fiat Barchetta | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | Barchetta | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2410 mm |
