2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1968 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1968 Opel Kadett. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 385 kg more than 1968 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Kadett. (76 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1968 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1078 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 76 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
