1972 Opel Rekord vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1972 Opel Rekord. (66 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1972 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 170 kg more than 1972 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am, 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 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Opel Rekord. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1972 Opel Rekord has manual transmission. 1972 Opel Rekord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Opel Rekord | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Rekord | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2630 mm |
