2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 31 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 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 815 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.
Because 1978 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 1978 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 159 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1605 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
