1971 Opel Rekord vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo is newer by 31 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, 1971 Opel Rekord (66 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Opel Rekord weights approximately 260 kg more than 2002 Smart ForTwo. 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 Opel Rekord (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Rekord | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Opel | Smart |
| Model | Rekord | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 1820 mm |
