1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 vs. 1968 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1968 Opel Rekord. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 503 kg more than 1968 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Rekord. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | 1968 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 350 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 1492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2670 mm |
