1963 Opel Rekord vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 44 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1963 Opel Rekord. (53 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1963 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 368 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Opel Rekord. (108 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Opel Rekord | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rekord | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1487 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2520 mm |
