1963 Opel Rekord vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1981 Volvo 343 is newer by 18 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, 1981 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1963 Opel Rekord. (53 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1963 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 343 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1963 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, both vehicles can yield 108 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Opel Rekord | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Rekord | 343 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1487 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
