2003 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 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 1,308 cc, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 605 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.
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 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (90 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda RX-8 | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | RX-8 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 43 L |
