1963 Opel Rekord vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1963 Opel Rekord. (53 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1963 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Opel Rekord weights approximately 50 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1963 Opel Rekord 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 1963 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Opel Rekord. (108 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Opel Rekord | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rekord | Passat |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1487 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2480 mm |
