1974 Opel Rekord vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (203 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1974 Opel Rekord. (66 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Rekord.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 380 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Rekord. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1974 Opel Rekord has manual transmission. 1974 Opel Rekord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Opel Rekord | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Opel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Rekord | C |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2760 mm |
