1971 Opel Rekord vs. 1985 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1985 Opel Kadett is newer by 14 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 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Opel Kadett (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1971 Opel Rekord. (66 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Opel Rekord weights approximately 207 kg more than 1985 Opel Kadett.
Because 1971 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 1971 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Opel Kadett, 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, 1971 Opel Rekord (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Opel Kadett. (101 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1971 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Rekord | 1985 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Rekord | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 858 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2580 mm |
