2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1977 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1977 Opel Kadett. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1977 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 145 kg more than 1977 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Opel Kadett. (113 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1977 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 44 L |
