2003 Kia Opirus vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2003 Kia Opirus is newer by 25 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 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Kia Opirus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Kia Opirus (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Opirus weights approximately 940 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, 2003 Kia Opirus, 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, 2003 Kia Opirus (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (90 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett. 2003 Kia Opirus has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Kia Opirus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Opirus | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Kia | Opel |
| Model | Opirus | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2400 mm |
