2009 Mini Cooper vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Because 1978 Opel Kadett is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mini Cooper (260 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mini Cooper | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mini | Opel |
| Model | Cooper | Kadett |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 43 L |
