1963 Opel Rekord vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 49 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1963 Opel Rekord. (53 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1963 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 410 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, 2012 Volkswagen 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Opel Rekord. (108 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Opel Rekord | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rekord | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1487 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2537 mm |
