1971 Opel Rekord vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1988 Saab 9000 is newer by 17 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (175 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1971 Opel Rekord. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 307 kg more than 1971 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 Saab 9000, 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Rekord. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Rekord | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Opel | Saab |
| Model | Rekord | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1492 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2670 mm |
