1971 Opel Rekord vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 41 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (104 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1971 Opel Rekord. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 1244 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5, 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Rekord. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Rekord | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rekord | T5 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1492 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 3410 mm |
