1973 Honda Civic vs. 1974 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1974 Opel Rekord is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Opel Rekord (66 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1973 Honda Civic. (60 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Opel Rekord weights approximately 320 kg more than 1973 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Honda Civic, 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, 1974 Opel Rekord (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Civic. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda Civic | 1974 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Honda | Opel |
| Model | Civic | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 745 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2680 mm |
