2008 Dodge Caliber vs. 1979 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2008 Dodge Caliber is newer by 29 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Caliber (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1979 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Caliber 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, 2008 Dodge Caliber, 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, 2008 Dodge Caliber (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Caliber | 1979 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Dodge | Opel |
| Model | Caliber | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 72.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 43 L |
