1972 Opel Rekord vs. 1997 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 1997 Skoda Octavia is newer by 25 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 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Skoda Octavia (74 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1972 Opel Rekord. (66 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 1972 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 150 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, 1997 Skoda Octavia, 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, 1997 Skoda Octavia (134 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Skoda Octavia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Opel Rekord | 1997 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Opel | Skoda |
| Model | Rekord | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2520 mm |
