1971 Opel Rekord vs. 1989 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1989 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 18 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, 1989 Suzuki Samurai (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1971 Opel Rekord. (66 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Opel Rekord weights approximately 135 kg more than 1989 Suzuki Samurai.
Because 1989 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Opel Rekord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Rekord | 1989 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Opel | Suzuki |
| Model | Rekord | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2490 mm |
