1954 BMW 502 vs. 1971 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1971 Opel Rekord is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,578 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 BMW 502 (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1971 Opel Rekord. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 BMW 502 should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 BMW 502 weights approximately 384 kg more than 1971 Opel Rekord. 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, 1954 BMW 502 (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Rekord. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1954 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 BMW 502 | 1971 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 502 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2578 cc | 1492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
