1966 Opel Rekord vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Opel Rekord (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Opel Rekord weights approximately 220 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1966 Opel Rekord (149 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Opel Rekord | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rekord | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
