1963 Opel Rekord vs. 1996 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 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, 1996 Volkswagen Golf (59 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1963 Opel Rekord. (53 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1963 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 190 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.
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, 1996 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1996 Volkswagen Golf (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Opel Rekord. (108 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Opel Rekord | 1996 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rekord | Golf |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1487 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2480 mm |
