2009 Cadillac XLR vs. 1979 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac XLR (322 HP @ 6450 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1979 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 932 kg more than 1979 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 Cadillac XLR (423 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 352 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Kadett. 2009 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1979 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1979 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac XLR | 1979 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Cadillac | Opel |
| Model | XLR | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6450 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 72.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1722 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 43 L |
