2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1985 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1985 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 150 kg more than 1985 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Opel Kadett. (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Opel Kadett. 1985 Opel Kadett has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Opel Kadett will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1985 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
