1999 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Focus (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Focus weights approximately 370 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 Ford Focus, 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 Ford Focus (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Focus | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Focus | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
