2009 BMW M3 vs. 1971 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 355 more horse power than 1971 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 765 kg more than 1971 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Kadett. (88 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1971 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
