2008 Ford Ka vs. 1977 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2008 Ford Ka is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Opel Kadett (74 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2008 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Ka weights approximately 132 kg more than 1977 Opel Kadett.
Because 1977 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 1977 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Ka, 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, 1977 Opel Kadett (113 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Ka. (100 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1977 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Ka. 1977 Opel Kadett has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Opel Kadett will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Ka | 1977 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Ka | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 43 L |
