2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1974 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1974 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 520 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 Mercedes-Benz SLK (359 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Kadett. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1974 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1974 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1974 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SLK | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 1310 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
