2008 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 30 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 279 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 835 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (90 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 43 L |
