1972 BMW 520 vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1978 Opel Rekord is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 341 kg more than 1978 Opel Rekord. 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, 1972 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (142 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 520 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
