1966 Opel Rekord vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 36 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 15 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 179 kg more than 1966 Opel Rekord.
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, 2002 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, 1966 Opel Rekord (149 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1966 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Opel Rekord | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rekord | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
