2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1976 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1976 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1976 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Opel Kadett weights approximately 320 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Opel Kadett. (90 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1976 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | 7 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2400 mm |
