2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1979 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 25 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 3,177 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1979 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 695 kg more than 1979 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1979 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 156 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3177 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 43 L |
