1968 Ford Escort vs. 1963 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1968 Ford Escort is newer by 5 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, 1968 Ford Escort (54 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1963 Opel Rekord. (53 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1963 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Opel Rekord weights approximately 160 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort.
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, 1968 Ford Escort, 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, 1963 Opel Rekord (108 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1963 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1963 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 74 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2650 mm |
