1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1973 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Vega (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1973 Opel Rekord. (66 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Opel Rekord weights approximately 60 kg more than 1974 Chevrolet Vega.
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, 1974 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Rekord. 1974 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1973 Opel Rekord has manual transmission. 1973 Opel Rekord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Vega | 1973 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Vega | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2680 mm |
