2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 22 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 1,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Kadett weights approximately 350 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
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, 2000 Caterham 7 (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | 7 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
