1971 Opel Rekord vs. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Opel Rekord (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Opel Rekord weights approximately 220 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Rekord. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Rekord | 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rekord | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1492 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2430 mm |
