2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1979 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1979 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Opel Kadett weights approximately 330 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 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1979 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | 7 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 72.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2640 mm |
