2009 BMW M3 vs. 1974 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 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 367 more horse power than 1974 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 735 kg more than 1974 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 329 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1974 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 43 L |
